Christianity

  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Holy Experience

  • how to assemble the parts of a life when beginnings end & kids grow up

    Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience
    9 Feb 2010 | 5:29 am
    He unwinds the last screw and the crib side panel comes down along with the whole backside of my heart. He disassembles his history, all of ours. Lays the crib sideboard up against the sunny yellow of the bedroom wall. I didn't know if the walls of the house would stand when he took down the last side rail.This was his crib. The one Farmer Husband slept in when his mitt hands were but fisted delicate fingers, the one that carried all nine of his mother's babies through the night dreams, from her firstborn, Eric in 1956 when she was a Dutch immigrant and spoke English in this halting, thick…

  • let us not forget...

    Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience
    8 Feb 2010 | 2:07 pm
    (Consider pausing music in the sidebar or viewing here)If American, consider giving, even a few dollars, here.... and if Canadian, here. We're joining you again, right now.If you are interested in sponsoring a Haitian child: contact Compassion and your name can be put on a list. When Haitian children become available for sponsorship, Compassion will send you a child pack  Photos: Share your thoughts?If you would like Holy Experience posts quietly tucked into your reader or your inbox for free...

  • What a Day is Always Really Made of...

    Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience
    8 Feb 2010 | 3:59 am
    When we lose the cap to the glue stick like we always inevitably do, I kneel on the floor to check under his grandmother’s table that sits in our study, peer under the legs of the 100 year old chairs.And the cascade of sun falls on the nape of my neck, runs down my back all warm. I say it aloud, a purr of the skin-warmed in February, “Ohhhhhh, I am a cat basking.” I lie right out on the century planks and I don’t give a second thought to a dried out stick of glue. And a beautiful child face leans over the edge of the table and giggles and I look up into laughter at me all stretched…

  • weekends are for curling up with books

    Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience
    6 Feb 2010 | 4:48 am
    In a quiet week of recuperation, I curled up with words and they curled around me and I wrapped up in rest.What's been on the nightstand:Dancing with My Father: How God Leads Us into a Life of Grace and JoyThe prose has a steady rhythm, yes, like a gentle beat, and these words do make you dance. Sally Clarkson's,  Dancing with Father, is the read of a friend, a mentor, sharing her journey to joy, and I found myself returning and lingering over passages, shimmering personal narrative woven throughout the work. Sally, homeschooling mother to four, writes transparently and openly…

  • Discovering the One Thing You May Have Long Forgotten About You

    Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience
    5 Feb 2010 | 6:06 am
    When it’s time, I know, I can tell in my bones, the ways the knees ache, those joints with a clock of their own, and I drag my fingers through the hair, back from the temples, and I survey the room of the sprawled out legs, the stacks of books, the balls of yarn, the half deck of Rook scattered, and I smile and chime the hour quiet.“I think it’s time for bed, folks.” They cheer wild. Race for their beds. They know when it’s time too. Time for the day’s best hour, the children’s hour, the moon out the window and night studded up with the stars. I pick up and I return and I lead a…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff

  • Awkward Singles Events

    Jon
    9 Feb 2010 | 4:30 am
    Across the nation, with Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, churches are planning singles events. A potpourri of awesomeness wrapped in a tortilla shell of awkwardness, these events are almost too wondrous to behold. Though it’s been a few years I can still recall my last one. I got stuck in the closet. Unlike R. Kelly, I was just trying to get my coat. Suddenly, a guy from another church blocked the doorway, effectively preventing me from leaving. I could still hear “safe enough for church” slow dance music playing in the background. Things looked dire, but fortunately, much like…

  • 4 steps to blogging.

    Jon
    9 Feb 2010 | 4:00 am
    Although I blog a lot, I don’t consider myself a blog expert. Folks like Michael Hyatt and Seth Godin are blog experts. But sometimes people do ask about how I write this site so I thought it might be good to share a little about the steps I go through. Step 1: The Idea The first thing I do is come up with the initial idea. I usually write it down in my iPhone or on a piece of paper. It will be a single sentence that I think might work as a post. Or it will be an idea that a reader thinks will be funny. Regardless, I’ll make sure I capture it and then sit on it. Step 2: Sprint…

  • Fearing your prayer request isn’t “big enough.”

    Jon
    8 Feb 2010 | 4:45 am
    “Uh oh,” my friend said the other night at the end of our men’s group, “I don’t think I should share my prayer request anymore.” Why did he say this? Simple, he didn’t have a “big prayer request.” After hearing everyone’s very serious, very heartfelt prayer requests, his suddenly felt small and insignificant. He didn’t want to say it out loud. He was struck with a bought of prayer envy or “prenvy.” And you hate to see that kind of thing strike a kid so young. It’s a shame, a dang shame. So to help him, and others out there, I thought it would be a good idea…

  • What are you praying about?

    Jon
    6 Feb 2010 | 3:09 am
    On Saturday, February 20th, starting at 7AM eastern time, we are going to do a 24 hour day of prayer on Stuff Christians Like. If you’ve got a prayer request that you want to tell thousands of people about from dozens of countries around the world, please leave a comment. If you want to pray, please comment “I’ll take 7-8PM.” Then during that hour, I’d love if you could come on the site, respond to any comments and pray for the people who have left prayer requests. So the question is, can we pray for you? How so?

  • Best breakdancing ever.

    Jon
    6 Feb 2010 | 2:00 am
    I will never get tired of the second kid in this video, the one with the orange shirt. Insane.
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    The Acton Institute - Acton News & Commentary

  • Will America Help the Persecuted Copts of Egypt?

    2 Feb 2010 | 6:38 pm
    After six Coptic Christians were attacked and killed while leaving church services in Egypt last month, the global Coptic community is demanding justice. “Copts are not just terrorized with violence from growing Islamic extremism in Egypt,” writes Ray Nothstine. “They face religious and economic marginalization by the government as well.” Will the United States stand on the side of religious freedom and human dignity?

  • Latin America: After the Left

    27 Jan 2010 | 7:40 am
    The political dreams of Latin America's populist-left are imploding, and economic conditions are deteriorating rapidly. Samuel Gregg surveys the scene and calls for the abandonment of not only redistributionist policies but the "corruption and oligarchic political-economic arrangements that have long dominated much of Latin America." He offers a prescription for cultural and economic renewal.

  • Forgive us our deficits

    19 Jan 2010 | 8:26 pm
    As 2010 unfolds, many countries are confronting a public deficit crisis of disturbing proportions. Since 2008, countless politicians have underscored that a cavalier attitude to debt on the part of Main St. and Wall St. contributed significantly to the recent financial crisis. It’s therefore ironic to observe these contemporary preachers of thrift plunging developed economies into an abyss of public liabilities. In 2009, for example, the Obama Administration spent more money on new programs in nine months than the Clinton Administration did in eight years, thereby increasing America’s…

  • From the Lead Frying Pan into the Toxic Fire

    12 Jan 2010 | 6:29 pm
    Federal regulators have moved forcefully to crack down on the use of lead paint in toys, which pose severe health risks to children. But the new regulations have proved only partially successful, and small manufacturers are complaining about the red tape and cost. Federal “assurances of individual flexibility and postponements of arbitrary deadlines do little to provide the kind of stable, predictable, and realistic requirements that businesses require to flourish and succeed,” Ballor writes.

  • Wikipedia: Freedom in Community

    5 Jan 2010 | 8:24 pm
    Wikipedia, the ultimate exercise in Web-based content production and collaboration, is moving into its second decade. Kevin Schmiesing looks at the ways the online encyclopedia has spurred innovation and entrepreneurship, despite its flaws. Wikipedia's success "is a testament to the potential of human cooperation in a system of free exchange," Schmiesing writes.
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Baptist Standard

  • BCFS program shows juveniles perils of peer pressure

    5 Feb 2010 | 2:02 am
    Baptist Child Family Services’ juvenile justice program is designed to ensure that a life of uniforms and cinderblock cells doesn’t become a reality for the young men in their care.

  • Biker chaplains see the parking lot as their church

    5 Feb 2010 | 1:59 am
    Jeff Claes and his ministry partner Rod Stallings--the first two biker chaplains endorsed by Texas Baptists-- are a spiritual presence in the horde of metal and machinery. The chaplains are sources of comfort, hope and spiritual guidance for the bikers—a largely unchurched subculture.

  • Church finds renewal in opening doors to ethnic congregations

    5 Feb 2010 | 1:55 am
    An aging Dallas congregation is experiencing renewal through outreach to ethnic churches in its area.

  • Obama, Clinton at prayer breakfast denounce Ugandan anti-gay proposal

    4 Feb 2010 | 5:36 am
    President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton used the occasion of the National Prayer Breakfast Feb. 4 to denounce a draconian proposed anti-homosexuality law in Uganda -- even though the event’s organizers have been closely associated with the Ugandan leaders pushing the bill.

  • Church fire forces closing of day care

    4 Feb 2010 | 5:07 am
    First Baptist Church in Temple has suspended operation of its 40-year-old Child Development Center indefinitely due to smoke and water damage from a Jan. 19 fire that authorities ruled arson.
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Behind the Books

  • "I'd Like to Thank . . ."

    21 Jan 2010 | 12:54 pm
    As the new year begins, it’s awards season—and while we don’t want to blow our own horn, get ready for a trumpet solo. First, Christianity Today has just announced the 2010 Christianity Today Book Awards. Their judges reviewed 472 books from seventy-two publishers and came up with twelve winners—four from IVP, more than any other publisher! God Is Great, God Is Good, edited by William Lane Craig and Chad Meister, won in Apologetics/Evangelism. Deep Church by Jim Belcher won in The Church/Pastoral Leadership. Longing for God by Richard Foster and Gayle D. Beebe won in…

  • Evangelicals and Race

    5 Jan 2010 | 6:43 am
    We just got back from InterVarsity’s Urbana 09 Student Missions Convention in St. Louis, where 45% of the over 16,000 attendees were non-white. So David Van Biema’s article in the current issue of Time magazine about evangelicals and race is, well, timely. The article highlights the perennial questions about how segregated Sunday morning worship is, and focuses on one church that is trying to do something about it. In the process, Van Biema quotes three IVP authors. The church, perhaps surprisingly, is Willow Creek, founded by Bill Hybels (Too Busy Not to Pray, Who You Are When No…

  • Letter to a soon-to-be-published author

    5 Oct 2009 | 9:37 am
    [Today’s Behind the Books post comes from the blog of Andy Crouch, author of Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling. Here Andy offers a first-time author some sage advice about what matters and what doesn’t when your first book enters the world. To read more from Andy or find out more about Culture Making, visit culture-making.com] My friend Adam McHugh, whose first (very good) book is about to be published, wrote me asking if I had any advice. He was going through the roller coaster of excitement, nervousness, anxiety, and eagerness of a first-time author. It’s a…

  • Yes, We Do Have Books for Your Kindle!

    4 Sep 2009 | 4:54 pm
    Several loyal readers have asked us recently if we offer digital versions of our books. Our answers are “Yes” and “Almost.” First, the “Yes” Already there are more than 200 InterVarsity Press books available for Amazon.com’s Kindle. You can visit the Kindle store and search for “InterVarsity Press” to see their listing. Or you can download our list as either a PDF or an XLS document. To pique your interest, here are the top 10 IVP downloads for the Kindle since January 2009:

  • Bad Bible Reading Habits

    19 Aug 2009 | 6:41 am
    Reading and studying the Bible is as central as it gets for evangelical spiritual practice. Despite this, evangelicals are often incredibly inept at it. They rip verses out of context, impose twenty-first-century ideas and sensibilities on ancient texts, read poetry and imagery literally, or simply skim read—all of which distort and twist the sacred text they claim to revere.
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Bible.org Women -

  • A Quick Guide to Talking with Kids about Sex

    Sandra Glahn
    8 Feb 2010 | 10:08 pm
    My five-year-old daughter and I sat in the Wal-Mart parking lot one weekend waiting for my husband to return. Suddenly out of nowhere, she asked, “Mommy, what does f--- mean?” I consciously locked my jaw to keep it from falling to the floor mat and exuded a studied calm as I asked where she’d heard that word. read more

  • Celebration

    Gwynne Johnson
    7 Feb 2010 | 8:45 pm
    Fans from New Orleans at Super Bowl experienced exultant celebration as confetti showered down, tearful comments were expressed, and the joyful lifting of the Lombardi trophy by owners, coaches, and players.  A season of hard work, exercise, hard fought combats culminated in this final victory.  All this for a trophy and a season lasting only one year. The passion and joy expressed and experienced lifted all who participated in any way, even as spectators. read more

  • Listing Forward

    Amanda Knight
    5 Feb 2010 | 5:57 am
    Life seldom unfolds the way we planned. As a little girl I dreamed of a Ken and Barbie style wedding. I wanted to be a doctor, then a fashion designer, or an opera singer. Now I’m 25, single, and in ministry. read more

  • A Memo from God

    Kelly Arabie
    3 Feb 2010 | 10:17 pm
    My husband and I will celebrate 14 years of marriage this year. We weren’t long into the first decade when the questions of “family planning” flew our way.  I found myself caught off guard one too many times from “When are you guys going to have children?”  My standard reply became: “We haven’t gotten that memo from God yet.” read more

  • The message of your life?

    Gail Seidel
    3 Feb 2010 | 6:02 am
    As I sat in the service and watched the video scrolling overhead about the life of Layne Cole, my mind raced with thoughts and questions. Why such an early departure for one in the prime of his life – this young father of 2 small sons, 42 years old who died, after a 7 year battle, of brain cancer? Married only 8 years; children are not supposed to die before their parents. What does God have in mind with all of this? How will He provide for these fatherless young sons? How is it for Erin right now, sitting down there in her pretty green dress- Layne’s favorite color? read more
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Brian McLaren EMC

  • First reader report ...

    plushy55@yahoo.com
    9 Feb 2010 | 6:17 pm
    Late last night I heard from a good friend who had picked up A New Kind of Christianity in a bookstore a few days early in New York City. He had just finished reading the chapter called "From Violent Tribal God to Christlike God." He said it felt like a huge step beyond all my previous books, and that this one chapter alone had precipitated a breakthrough in his heart, so he just had to call. As you can imagine, his enthusiasm made my day, and prepared me for today, the book's official release date. I'm deeply grateful for the experience of gestating content, laboring to wrestle it into…

  • Countdown Day 0!

    plushy55@yahoo.com
    8 Feb 2010 | 9:14 pm
    This is the day! Please consider dropping by your local bookstore and picking up A New Kind of Christianity: Ten Questions That Are Transforming the Faith. If they don't have it, please ask them to order it ... And of course, you can order it online too. Here's the last quote in our countdown of 100 days ... You may feel it as a curiosity, a desire for better answers than you inherited so far. You may experience it as frustration, knowing that there must be more to faith than you currently know. You may know it as hope, hope that God is seeking humble people whose hearts and lives can be the…

  • Countdown Day 1

    plushy55@yahoo.com
    7 Feb 2010 | 9:10 pm
    Tomorrow the book releases! Thanks to all who have pre-ordered it, and to all who will venture out to your local Barnes and Noble, Borders, or other bookseller tomorrow ... We’ve gotten ourselves into a mess with the Bible. First, we are in a scientific mess. Fundamentalism again and again paints itself into a corner by requiring that the Bible be treated as a divinely dictated science textbook providing us true information in all areas of life, including when and how the earth was created, what the shape of the earth is, what revolves around what in space, and so on. (68) From A New Kind…

  • One more on Palestine ...

    plushy55@yahoo.com
    7 Feb 2010 | 8:29 am
    I'll be focusing on the book release for the next several weeks, but I wanted to include this note I just received: Rev. McLaren - thank you for your wonderful report/response to your time in the Occupied Territories. Christians have, for too long, been complacent in the treatment of the palestinian people. As a Christian whose circle of friends include several muslims and a future rabbi (as well as having an MA in theology my self and a wife who loves anything to do with the Hebrew Bible) I am very pro ANYTHING that allows the diversity of human beings to work together for peace. I don't…

  • Study Guide for EMC

    plushy55@yahoo.com
    7 Feb 2010 | 5:31 am
    My friend Alan Ward created a super-helpful study guide for Everything Must Change, which you can download for your group or for individual study here.
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    http://heatheragoodman.com/rss.xml

  • "Careful or I'll put you in my novel."

    hgoodman
    4 Feb 2010 | 9:44 am
    Image via Wikipedia I've picked up Dante's Divine Comedy (Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradise) to study for my WIP. (Side note: thank you, Kindle, for making this selection available to me for free. We love you, Kindle, oh yes, we do.) A couple of interesting observations from my study of the poem and the little I've read on it (mostly in order to understand the references): The Roman Catholic concept of purgatory originated with this work, which is allegorical. Most likely, Dante intended Purgatorio to represent the Christian life. Some things never change when we take allegory too literally.

  • Popinjay: Guilty

    hgoodman
    1 Feb 2010 | 7:36 am
    I have not been able to keep up with Michelle's weekly Popinjay Photo Challenge, but I'm able to pop in every once in a while (knee slap for that pun, please). This week's word: Guilty

  • On Installations, Memoirs, and Reality TV

    hgoodman
    28 Jan 2010 | 9:48 am
    Recently I finished Unveiling by Suzanne Wolfe (an excellent read I highly recommend due to her poetic prose, complex characters, and willingness to enter into suffering and beauty). In it she comments that museums, with their metered environments, lose the contexts of churches and homes for art. This made me think about museum installations. Are they the artist's desire to create context where none exists? I suppose "no context" is impossible. How about sterile? Removed? Unfamiliar with the breathings of our daily lives? Over the past several years, memoirs have invaded Barnes and…

  • "Important Blogger--That's an Oxymoron."

    hgoodman
    25 Jan 2010 | 7:42 am
    One of the threads that weaves through Douglas Coupland's apocalyptic novel concerns blogging. (Yes, Generation A is apocalpytic in that it portrays the end of the world as we know it--and, thanks to a Prozac-like drug, we feel fine.) Each of the main characters in Coupland's story tells his/her own stories. One character tells a story of a young man who has lost the story of his life. The implication is clear: springing from our obsession with fame, we all look for the story of our lives. Unfortunately, with nothing real left in life, we can't find one. We use our extreme sports and…

  • On Words and the Lack of Them

    hgoodman
    18 Jan 2010 | 6:57 am
    He's probably lounging on a beach in the Caribbean sipping a gin and tonic, goggling the girls with his one good eye. Meanwhile, I'm stuck, senza Muse, to figure out what to do with this writer's block. I've deleted more words than I've written. How is that mathematically possible, you may ask. Exactly. I'm in negative wordage. Which means I have to scribble words on random surfaces until I'm back at zero and can return to my manuscript. I write on Post-It notes, backs of receipts, and bathroom stalls. (Yes, I've discovered the mystery. Messages on stall walls were written by blocked writers,…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    CatalystSpace | Catablog

  • Are You Tired?

    info@catalystspace.com
    9 Feb 2010 | 5:00 am
    This is a guest blog post from Alece Ronzino, check-out her blog at GrittandGlory.com As we started this new year, I became mindful of my tendency to wear myself out for all the wrong things.You see, I was reading along in Isaiah when I tripped over this phrase: "You have not wearied yourselves for Me, O Israel." I knew exactly what God was talking about. And I knew I was just as guilty as Israel was.After over eleven years in full-time ministry, I know full-well what it's like to weary myself. I've put in the ridiculously long hours. I've juggled an impossible schedule. I've reached the…

  • 9 Bad Boss Types

    info@catalystspace.com
    8 Feb 2010 | 9:00 am
    This is a guest post from Pastor Ron Edmondson. He blogs regularly on leadership and the Church at RonEdmondson.com. Check it out! I was reflecting recently on bad bosses I have either had personally or that were in an organization in which I worked. Sadly in years past I may have played some of these roles as a boss. See if you identify with any of these: The Bully Boss: This boss beats production out of employees.  Employees feel intimidated, which causes them to perform at less than capable performance levels. The Passive Boss: This boss refuses to lead employees, will not confront…

  • Colorado!

    info@catalystspace.com
    8 Feb 2010 | 4:00 am
    This week the Catalyst National Tour hits the Rocky Mountains! (Well, at least the Front Range :))  I will be in the greater Denver area through Saturday, February 13th, meeting with local church & community leaders so if you're in the area and would like to connect please email me ASAP!  AND if you live in the Boulder area you will receive priority treatment - gotta take care of those in the land of my alma mater, GO BUFFS!  (please refrain from any comments about our athletic department...we're in a "rebuilding season.")  :) Stay tuned to the Catalyst Twitter for…

  • Pepsi Refresh Project

    info@catalystspace.com
    5 Feb 2010 | 5:11 am
    The Pepsi Refresh Project is a social network based contest (all the rage lately) where you submit your idea, people vote, you win thousands of dollars to make it happen. There are some great ideas on their site. But NOT AS GREAT AS YOURS! Go there, put up your idea, we'll all vote for it. For all you Kingdom Entrepreneurs out there, this could be a great opportunity for you! Check-it-out!

  • New Catalyst Team Photos

    info@catalystspace.com
    4 Feb 2010 | 5:20 am
    We want to give a GIANT THANKS to Melanie McGaughey of The Velvet Trunk Photography, for taking some AWESOME pictures of our team! Seriously, Melanie is a first class photog who traveled all the way from Nashville & spent ALL DAY with us in a million different locations, and smiled the whole time! If you need an awesome photographer, call Melanie. Check-out some of her pics: Stan (Catalyst One Day Concierge) Courtney (Brad's Assistant) Melissa (The true engine of Catalyst) Jason (Project Manager of West Coast & ONE DAYs) Sally (Marketing Guru) Brian (Production Guru) Aaron (West Coast…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    CatalystSpace | Articles

  • How to Write a Better Story, By Donald Miller | Author, Blue Like Jazz

    info@catalystspace.com
    8 Feb 2010 | 4:30 am
    This article is an excerpt from Don's latest book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. It's really quite good. Don will be speaking at Catalyst West Coast. You should consider coming to hear his talk. It will probably change your life. A lot of people think a writer has to live in order to write, has to meet people and have a rich series of experiences or his work will become dull. But that is drivel. It's an excuse a writer uses to take the day off, or the week or the month off for that matter. The thinking is, if we go play Frisbee in the park we're going to have a thousand words busting…

  • Everyone Needs a Family, Kay Warren | Orphan Advocate

    info@catalystspace.com
    5 Feb 2010 | 6:35 am
    “Who will take care of my children when I die?” she asked in a whisper.  “No one will want them because they know I am dying of AIDS.”  Flora’s tears flowed, her face a mixture of anguish and fear. She was the first dying mother I had ever encountered and I had no answers for her; I was nearly mute in the presence of her suffering. My assurances that I would pray for her and her children were woefully inadequate.  How could my words of intercession be enough to cover the needs of her soon-to-be-orphaned young children?  Her face, her…

  • Adapting Life Rhythms for Compassionate Justice, By Charles Lee | The !dea Camp

    info@catalystspace.com
    3 Feb 2010 | 5:00 am
    Words like "compassion" and "justice" are becoming commonplace in our cultural landscape. Whether you're an individual, organization, school or business, embedding this kind of language has proven to be beneficial for one’s personal or corporate brand. Many people feel “good” whenever they commit to a cause on Facebook or retweet something on Twitter in regards to compassion or justice.In light of this growing trend towards compassion and justice, I think we must ask ourselves, "Do we actually participate in social action beyond the initial "join" or retweet?" In hopes of…

  • Leadership 2.0, By Michael Hyatt | CEO, Thomas Nelson

    info@catalystspace.com
    1 Feb 2010 | 4:37 am
    I started blogging in 1998—before it was called blogging. I simply posted new articles to my web site, because I noticed that people would come back if the content kept changing. But it was a hassle. It wasn’t easy to change the content or structure of your site. Everything was fairly static.But in 2002–2003, things began to change. They started becoming more dynamic. In fact, in December 2003, Eric Knorr, executive editor of InfoWorld, coined the phrase “Web 2.0” to describe the movement to a different kind of Web experience that was more focused on the user…

  • Leading VS Managing, By Tony Morgan

    info@catalystspace.com
    18 Jan 2010 | 12:56 pm
    I read Anne Jackson’s new book, Mad Church Disease, a few months ago. This quote from Wayne Cordeiro, the senior pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship in Oahu, Hawaii keeps reverberating through my brain. In describing some practices he changed as a result of dealing with ministry burnout, he offered this:“I’ve learned that God has made me to be a leader, not a ‘manager.’ I was pulled in to ‘managing’ for a few years as my main course. That diminished my leadership immune system, and I became susceptible to contagious maladies such as…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    CCBlogs

  • A twinge of discomfort

    Don Scrooby
    8 Feb 2010 | 8:53 am
    Don Scrooby's blog Recently I was in a communion service diligently following the words and responses of the liturgy. The phrase, “Have mercy on us O God” was constantly repeated in a litany of sins confessed. Touched by a twinge of discomfort, I looked around at the expressions of my fellow worshippers to see if I was alone in this sentiment. It seemed I was. Most people were responding almost mechanically with the phrase and I couldn’t help but wonder what was actually going on in that unconscious realm where our perceptions are shaped and forged, especially when certain phrases carry…

  • A well-known tale

    Steve Pankey
    3 Feb 2010 | 1:17 pm
    Steve Pankey's blog The story of Jesus and the miraculous catch is probably the best known fishing tale in history. It is a favorite of Sunday school programs, an easy teaching for youth groups, and it gets preached all the time. It is so well known that we barely know it at all. We've heard it so many times, we think we know it, but we know only bits and pieces. A fellow priest and I were on the phone on Monday lamenting the translation of the NRSV when Jesus tells Simon from now on he'll be "catching people." Why ruin the pun of fishers of men, we both wondered. Well, mostly because that's…

  • Welcome new CCbloggers

    Steve Thorngate
    3 Feb 2010 | 9:20 am
    There are a number of new bloggers in the network. Drop by and check them out: Amy Julia Becker of Thin Places is a writer and seminarian and the mother of a child with a disability. L’Arche alum Melissa Florer-Bixler does part-time children’s ministry and blogs at Sign on the Window. Draughting Theology is written by Steve Pankey, a young Episcopal priest. Kirkepiscatoid features the “random and not so random musings” of first-generation Episcopalian Maria L. Evans. Lutheran pastor Dan Bohlman blogs about small-town ministry at RuralMinister. Paul E. Stroble—a teacher, writer and…

  • A little problem with original sin

    Drew Tatusko
    2 Feb 2010 | 8:50 am
    Drew Tatusko's blog Calvin called the tendency to sin part of a person's "hereditary nature." John Wesley called it "the corruption of the nature of every man, that naturally is engendered." Luther considered all humans "conceived and born in sin." Without any real understanding of how genetics and how traits pass from one generation of the next, Augustine straight through medieval Catholicism to the Reformers held the view that sin entered into our evolution because Adam chose to eat the apple Eve gave to him. Any student of evolution and genetics surely know that an entire gene pool isn't…

  • The suffering God

    Debra Dean Murphy
    26 Jan 2010 | 9:27 am
    Debra Dean Murphy's blog Today would have been my sister’s 46th birthday. She died in a car accident in 1987. She was 23 years old and a newly-minted 6th grade teacher. Her name was Kim. In the fog of grief that November my parents and I listened to the well-meaning words of family, friends, and neighbors who tried to offer comfort, whose own heads were spinning with disbelief at the loss of this beautiful girl whom they too knew and loved. We were all groping, in vain, for meaning. We rarely seem to ponder questions of theodicy (why a good God permits evil and suffering) when things are…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Out of Ur

  • The Hansen Report: Subverting for the Sake of Christ

    7 Feb 2010 | 10:00 pm
    At the same time that many evangelical leaders lament the sin in our midst, talk of transforming the world for Christ rallies big crowds to action. We bemoan the present world as we long for Christ to return and make all things new. Somewhere in between, we eventually realize that we can accomplish more for the cause of Christ than we have so far, but not so much as our rhetoric sometimes suggests. Trevin Wax, author of Holy Subversion: Allegiance to Christ in an Age of Rivals, offers pastoral wisdom on living according to the next world’s values even now. You pastor a Southern Baptist…

  • Ur Video: Piper on Hell

    2 Feb 2010 | 10:00 pm
    The second edition of our series on hell features John Piper. He's concerned that we're diminishing the centrality and importance of hell in our theology and proclamation. Do you agree?

  • A Movement or a Fad?

    by David Fitch
    1 Feb 2010 | 10:00 pm
    The difference between a fad and a movement is that a movement produces long term enduring change. A fad, on the other hand, feeds off something that already exists: a cultural awareness, a disenchantment, or even a novel idea and expands on it. Through media, publishing, and viral exchange, it becomes a sensation that sells books, creates a lot of activity, makes people feel something exciting—but in the end it doesn’t produce enough substance to sustain lasting change in history. Often, in the midst of something new, we can not tell the difference. Whether it is a fad or a movement…

  • Ur Video: NT Wright on Hell

    27 Jan 2010 | 10:00 pm
    We're starting a new weekly series on Out of Ur about the doctrine of Hell. Each week there will be a post (video or written) from a church leader on their view of Hell and the role of the doctrine today. Given the diversity of views, and the different ways evangelical churches talk (or don't talk) about Hell, we hope this series informs your own thinking and communication.

  • What's Changing, What's Not

    by Marian Liautaud
    26 Jan 2010 | 10:00 pm
    Dave Travis, managing director of Leadership Network, offers his state of the church in America, based on recent research and his own observations looking through the "keyhole" of large churches. Things That Are Changing 1. Multi-site churches. According to the book Multi-Site Roadtrip, an estimated 2,000 churches in America use the multi-site model. Travis: "If you're a large church, you're thinking multi-site." 2. Social media. According to the Pew Research Center, 85 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds use social networking at least once a week. Senior pastors under 40 who are leading large…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Prodigal Magazine

  • MIKESCHAIR Interview

    aclapp
    28 Jan 2010 | 7:27 am
    As the world looks in on Christianity today, they are looking for honesty and for sincerity.  Too often, what they have found is hypocrisy in those who profess to be followers of Christ.  As a new generation of bands hits the forefront in Christianity today, we are seeing a transparency that has never been seen before.  MIKESCHAIR is one band who is definitely not afraid to openly discuss who they are, hoping that in their journey with the Lord, others may relate and come to know Him as well. MIKESCHAIR formed while they were students at Belmont University.  The Lord has opened many doors…

  • Father of the Decade

    Dgill
    10 Jan 2010 | 7:03 pm
    As I began to consider this concept, I thought it would be fairly easy. After all, how many fathers are there in the world? There must be many that stand out. How much news has been reported in the last ten years? There must be great fathers among the reports. Soon after beginning my research, I realized this was going to be a difficult, if not impossible, task. There are fathers in the news alright. Recently there was Dr. Umaru Abdulmutallab, the father of Abdul Farouk Abdulmutallab, otherwise known as the “underpants bomber”, or the “undergarments bomber”, or…

  • Parasitic Water and Toothless Smiles

    ANJREUX
    11 Dec 2009 | 11:25 pm
    Last night I got back from Mexico. I went with a bud of mine named Josh. Josh is on staff at the same church I work at and oversees the middle school ministry. Josh will be bringing a group of soon-to-be-ninth-graders there this summer. Yikes. Please pray for him. We went there and scoped things out. Since I have spent some time in Latin America, I also went with to make sure Josh was not left to be feasted on by the Chupacabra. I also had the opportunity to visit some missionaries that our church supports and to see the ministry they are a part of. It is called Esperanza Viva, it is located…

  • Complaining

    GGrogan
    10 Dec 2009 | 1:42 pm
    Recently I had surgery on my tongue to remove a fibrous growth and the pain and slowness of recovery has reminded me again of the importance of being grateful. I think we all complain too much and this I know about complaining: it’s a killjoy. It makes you and everybody around you unhappy. The big problem with complaining is that is a hard habit to break. I think our basic human nature is naturally negative so we tend to look at the bad things in life instead of the good.  Also, it seems to me, we are conditioned by our society. Bad news makes the headlines–we are…

  • Thanksgiving versus Thanks-Living

    BMacKinnon
    9 Dec 2009 | 2:02 pm
    Every year around thanksgiving tables across the country, the children of the family get the chance to tell everyone what their thankful for. Most will mention the toys they have accrued over the years, the upcoming Christmas season, or how the weather is generally pleasant. Don’t get me wrong; it’s cute. However, when the adults get their turn to share what their thankful for, why is there so much overlap? I’ve noticed that a great deal of most adults end up still being thankful for the recent additions to their toy-chest, an upcoming donation to their name, or how the things they…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Commonweal Magazine

  • The Reunion

    aniitcw
    8 Feb 2010 | 8:06 am
    Cocktail in hand, I walked up to a group of three of my classmates at the gathering that marked the fiftieth anniversary of our ordination as priests. As I joined these men with whom I had spent six years of my youth, one of them, Frank, asked, “Have you had heart bypass surgery?” Taken aback by the question, I answered that I had not.

  • The Thinking Animal

    aniitcw
    8 Feb 2010 | 8:00 am
    When I was a college senior at the Catholic University of America and preparing to depart the comforts of the Catholic intellectual tradition for a career in mainstream “analytic” philosophy, I was sent out the door with a steady stream of warnings about the unhistorical character of the philosophical thinking I was about to encounter.

  • Iffy Izzy

    aniitcw
    8 Feb 2010 | 7:56 am
    The legend of I. F. Stone, the feisty investigative journalist, cannot fail to have a certain resonance for anyone who has ever been caught up in the romance of newspapers. After the last progressive newspaper to employ him collapsed in 1952 and no other paper would hire him, the forty-five-year-old leftist radical started his own newsletter. Within a few years, I. F.

  • He’s Got Rhythm

    aniitcw
    8 Feb 2010 | 7:50 am
    Every few years I offer a course in English prose writers, almost all of them novelists, who did their work between 1900 and roughly 1950. E. M. Forster comes early in the term, flanked by Joseph Conrad, D. H. Lawrence, and Ford Madox Ford. Although Conrad and Ford have their admirers, the majority of the class, often not the best students, choose to write about Forster.

  • Restless Spirits

    aniitcw
    8 Feb 2010 | 7:46 am
    “You took the best / Now take the rest,” the blues singer offers her lover in despair. But Peter Jackson, adapting Alice Sebold’s overrated but fairly touching bestseller The Lovely Bones, did just the opposite: he took the worst of the book and gave it cinematic shine, then merely skimmed the rest.
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Compassion International - Christian Blog on Child Poverty

  • Serving the Garo Tribe in Bangladesh

    David Adhikary
    8 Feb 2010 | 11:03 pm
    The Garo community is one of the major tribes in Bangladesh. According to the history books, the Garo tribe entered Bangladesh in the first century. They were refugees from Mongolia and came to this region through Tibet. The Garo have stayed in Bangladesh for thousands of years. Initially, they followed a religion called Sonatoni; during the British rule in this subcontinent they came to Christ. Today, nearly 100 percent of the Garo tribe practices Christianity, though a few still believe in Sonatoni. Garos have their own language, Achick, which is completely different from the local…

  • What Is Life Like for Mexico’s Suburban Poor?

    Cesiah Magaña
    7 Feb 2010 | 11:43 pm
    Our child development centers are distributed in different types of settings in Mexico; the biggest difference is between urban and suburban areas. In the context of this blog post, the term “suburban” is defined a bit differently than in the developed world: Suburban areas are smaller cities or towns, normally located on the outskirts of main cities, with at least 5,000 inhabitants, but with few services. Suburban settlements are always in constant growth. Houses are dispersed, and many lack basic community services. Roofs are basically made of thin layers of either metal, plastic or…

  • Help Haiti

    Web Team
    5 Feb 2010 | 11:43 pm
    We’ve been helping Haiti for more than 40 years — teaching, feeding, educating, loving, mentoring, caring and most importantly, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Will you join us in helping Haiti rebuild? You can also view the Help Haiti video on YouTube. My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

  • Thoughts on Haiti From Haiti: 21 Days Later

    Web Team
    5 Feb 2010 | 10:25 am
    This was written yesterday by Bob Thorp, a member of our Complementary Interventions team, who has been in Haiti working with our staff since shortly after the earthquake. “I’ve witnessed a metamorphosis here since arriving here 21 days ago. Then, the words I could use to describe what I saw was a whole city in shock, walking around like zombies, walking wounded. Blank stares. Hollow eyes, caked with mud, now dry from an inability to produce more tears. A survival mentality had set in – each one for themselves. Walk right past someone trapped, because they needed to get home…

  • What Is Life Like for the Urban Poor in Mexico’s Cities?

    Cesiah Magaña
    4 Feb 2010 | 11:33 pm
    Our child development centers are distributed in different types of settings in Mexico; the biggest difference is between urban and suburban areas. In the context of this blog post, the terms “urban” is defined a bit differently than in the big cities of the developed world: An urban area corresponds to small communities concentrated in cities with more than 10,000 inhabitants, with the majority of public services at hand. The main difference between an urban and suburban area is in the communication and roads that provide all the supplies and raw materials needed for life. The…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Daily Reflections

  • February 5 - February 12

    Patrick Henry Reardon
    4 Feb 2010 | 9:12 am
    Friday, February 5Matthew 10:16-26: Four animals are mentioned in the first verse, all of them for their symbolic value. Although this initial mission is only to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” it is significant that the “nations” are mentioned in 10:18; again, this foreshadows the Great Commission given at the end of Matthew. These verses make it clear that the proclamation of the gospel by the Church will be met with resistance, just as we saw to be the case in chapters 8 and 9. Like Jesus, the disciples will be “handed over” to “councils” (synedria). This…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Desiring God Blog

  • Smiting Morality with Gospel Joy

    8 Feb 2010 | 11:32 pm
    (Author: David Mathis) Watch John Piper (on C.S. Lewis, on William Tyndale) explain how the biblical gospel destroys morality, external conformity, and list-keeping religion: (To view the video, RSS readers may need to visit the webpage)

  • When God’s Direction Comes Through Correction

    7 Feb 2010 | 11:30 pm
    (Author: Jon Bloom) God faithfully directs the paths of everyone who trusts in him with all their heart (Proverbs 3:5-6). But sometimes, as Moses experienced in Exodus 18, God directs us through a word of correction from someone else. The reunion of Moses and Jethro was a sweet one. Moses was glad to have his wife and his two boys back with him. And Jethro sat astonished as Moses described the ten plagues, the pillar of God's presence, the Red Sea deliverance, the provision of manna, and water from a rock. Jethro rejoiced in such unparalleled demonstrations of divine power and confessed God's…

  • Christian Hedonism 101

    6 Feb 2010 | 11:30 pm
    (Author: Jonathan Parnell) For the first time in its history the Desiring God Conference for Pastors, which took place last week, was devoted to the subject of Christian Hedonism—the teaching that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him. In conjunction with the conference, it seemed good to revisit and remember some of those glad verses within the Psalter that command us to pursue our joy in God. Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4) Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones; and shout for joy, all you who…

  • Seattle and Santa Barbara

    5 Feb 2010 | 11:30 pm
    (Author: David Mathis) Dear friends in the Seattle area and at Westmont College, Come worship Jesus with us at a special Friday night gathering, February 26, at Mars Hill Church's Ballard Campus. God willing, Pastor Piper will also be preaching at Mars Hill on Sunday, February 28, before heading to Santa Barbara to speak in chapel at Westmont College on Monday, March 1.

  • Live Streaming Hip Hop for Haiti

    5 Feb 2010 | 9:30 am
    (Author: Lukas Naugle) For those who can't make it to Hip Hop for Haiti tonight, we will be streaming the concert live online. Join the crowd in Minneapolis by watching online and by giving to Churches Helping Churches. You can also join the crowd on Twitter using the #HH4H hashtag.
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Emergent Village

  • speaking out for one another [7]

    Amy Moffitt
    27 Jan 2010 | 6:30 am
    By Patrick Green LifeBridge Church/ YASO Lockport, IL, USA LifeBridge Church was started in November of 2008 looking like most church plants with some nice missional language thrown into the website, literature, and sermons. Our growth started very healthy for a plant. We had middle aged couples with kids coming, we had great music, we had tithes that more than covered our bills and we were, in return, giving a good consumer experience. But the messages showed my heart and the heart of some other people in our community who knew that there was more and knew we could be more. In February of…

  • Meet the Village Council

    Amy Moffitt
    27 Jan 2010 | 6:27 am
    “Institutionalization… is the collective equivalent of embodying –we know we’ve learned something when it becomes a part of how we do things.” From Presence by Otto Scharmer To paraphrase Scharmer, cherishing a network of conversations with the same holistic seriousness that you do the cells of your body means intuitively forming structures. If you trace the history of Emergent Village, it is similar to your church, or a family, or even an online open source project. At first there are just a few people, and those who know each other are within two degrees of separation. As the…

  • destructive theology [23]

    Amy Moffitt
    27 Jan 2010 | 6:15 am
    by Drew Tatusko As I watched the swirl Pat Robertson recently created in the wake of the horrific images of death and destruction in Haiti, I could not help but recall how others have used the tea leaves of destruction to divine the will of God and God’s self-revelation. It is a refashioned image of the God of the plagues and of Sodom and Gomorrah; the same God of judgment in Revelation who uses nature and people to destroy things in order to re-assert Lordship over everything. Clearly, this kind of claim has precedent. We may remember all too well how Robertson and Jerry Falwell blamed…

  • Church is here [26]

    Amy Moffitt
    13 Jan 2010 | 9:14 pm
    By Joy Schroeder Emerging Desert Cohort Mesa, AZ My deal is that I am a 40-something ‘recovering’ charismatic evangelical. I grew up in the church and spent 23 years completely sold out specifically to the Mega church experience and LOVED every minute of it, eventually finding myself in leadership roles etc. Because of a few very ugly experiences with the ‘powers that be’ I started to have questions about leadership, how money seems to be misappropriated in the church in general, the role of women, the inability for the church to truly promote reconciliation, the place of gays in the…

  • Amahoro Gathering 2010

    Amy Moffitt
    13 Jan 2010 | 9:13 pm
    We at Emergent Village are excited to announce the Fourth Annual Amahoro Gathering to be held in Mombasa, Kenya on May 3-10, 2010. This gathering promises to build upon the relationships built between leaders around the globe in previous years through conversation, prayer and fellowship. The conversation this year will center on the topic of Christ, Creation and Community. The following is an excerpt from the topic summary at the Amahoro Gathering 2010 Website: Across Africa, we are blessed with many of God’s most extravagant creatures, landscapes and cultures. We also suffer piercing…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Episcopal Life Online

  • Presiding Bishop pays pastoral visit to Haitian bishop

    Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori paid a poignant visit to Port-au-Prince Feb. 8 to survey with Episcopal Diocese of Haiti Bishop Jean Zaché Duracin the devastation wrought by the Jan. 12 magnitude 7.0 earthquake.

  • Bishop Duracin of Haiti offers a Lenten reflection in bulletin inserts for Feb. 21

    "I look at this as a baptism," writes Bishop Jean Zaché Duracin of Haiti in a reflection in Episcopal News Service Weekly bulletin inserts for Feb. 21, the first Sunday of Lent, which is also designated by General Convention as Episcopal Relief and Development Sunday. Bishop Duracin comments on the situation in Haiti and the need for faith, prayer and renewal in the midst of devastation caused by a magnitude-7 earthquake on Jan. 12

  • Haitian Episcopalians struggle in the present, look to the future

    There may not be a single Episcopal church standing in Port-au-Prince today but that lack of walls and roofs does not mean that the church in the Haitian capital is dead. "As the largest diocese of the Episcopal Church until now, we are physically destroyed but the church is there because the church is the people," Episcopal Diocese of Haiti Bishop Jean Zaché Duracin told Episcopal News Service Feb. 4
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    EPPC Publications

  • Feynman and the Futurists

    12 Jan 2010 | 9:00 pm
    Two very different kinds of nanotechnology are regularly conflated in the press. One is essentially a specialized form of materials science; the other aims to remake the world.

  • Obamacare: Act II

    11 Jan 2010 | 9:00 pm
    Whether the health care bill now being pushed through Congress ends up passing or not, health care is likely to be a critical issue in the 2010 congressional elections. In their rush to pass a bill before public opposition can stop them, Democrats in Washington might just have turned health care into a Republican issue.

  • The Upside of a Rough-and-Tumble Decade

    6 Jan 2010 | 9:00 pm
    Despite the end-of-the-decade angst emanating from talk show perches and op-ed pages since we ushered in 2010 last week, it's not all doom and gloom. There have been some positive effects of the recession that forced Americans to reevaluate our priorities -- spending and otherwise.

  • An Entitlement Certain to Grow In Spite Of ’Firewalls’

    6 Jan 2010 | 9:00 pm
    The entitlement expansions in the health care bills would create irresistible pressure to make them even more widely available and generous, and Congress would have to show heroic restraint to stick with the tax increases and spending cuts. Overall, it's a recipe for another unfunded program.

  • The Show Trial on Same-Sex Marriage

    6 Jan 2010 | 9:00 pm
    In an ongoing series of posts on National Review Online's Bench Memos blog on the anti-Proposition 8 trial in California, EPPC President Ed Whelan is exposing the shenanigans orchestrated by the presiding judge. See also Mr. Whelan's introductory essay, "Staging a Show Trial on Same-Sex Marriage."
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    First Things: On the Square

  • The End of Intelligent Design?

    It is time to take stock: What has the intelligent design movement achieved? As science, nothing. The goal of science is to increase our understanding of the natural world, and there is not a single phenomenon that we understand better today or are likely to understand better in the future through the efforts of ID theorists. If we are to look for ID achievements, then, it must be in the realm of natural theology. And there, I think, the movement must be judged not only a failure, but a debacle.Very few religious skeptics have been made more open to religious belief because of ID arguments.

  • A Month When We Should Listen to the Ancestors

    Life is full of delicious—and sometimes not so delicious—irony. If there is a “white” man in this country who could have been expected to vote for President Barack Obama more than the “white” man who is writing this, it is difficult for me to imagine such.For more than forty years, now—ever since, as a barely-wet-behind-the-ears high school teacher, I went south, in the summer of 1969, to North Carolina Central University for an National Defense Education Act (NDEA) teachers’ institute on African-American history and literature—I have been involved in teaching, researching,…

  • Parliament’s Equality Bill

    When speaking in terms of employment, what does the word discrimination mean? It is now almost universally admitted in liberal democracies that discrimination according to extraneous categories like skin color is morally wrong, and for that reason in most democracies it is also illegal. But the word is ambiguous. Because of the history of racial discrimination, the word is nowadays used mostly in its pejorative sense; but we still speak occasionally of someone having “discriminating taste,” meaning someone attuned enough to be able to tell the difference between the lasting and valuable…

  • Choosing Tebow

    Tim Tebow, the year’s best college football player, is starring in a mildly pro-life advertisement—“Celebrate Family, Celebrate Life,” it concludes—scheduled to air during the Super Bowl this Sunday. And the ruckus over that fact has been one of the strangest things to watch in years.Even the New York Times has agreed—in an unsigned editorial no less—that the objections to the ad are unwarranted: The would-be censors are on the wrong track. Instead of trying to silence an opponent, advocates for allowing women to make their own decisions about whether to have a child should be…

  • What McInerny Saw in Thomas

    The Catholic intellectual world (and beyond) is no doubt still mourning last week’s passing of Ralph McInerny. McInerny’s death, aside from providing an opportunity to reflect on his own legacy, also invites us to reflect on the body of learning known as Thomism.While it has become common over the last several decades for theological enquiry to generally ignore the contributions of Thomistic thought, the tide seems to be turning in favor of an acknowledgment of St. Thomas as the true “common doctor” of the Catholic theological tradition.So why study St. Thomas? Why are so many turning…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    FlowerDust.net | Anne Jackson

  • A Decade and an Earthquake Later

    Anne Jackson
    9 Feb 2010 | 5:00 am
    When I turned twenty, I was your typical former pastor’s kid living in rebellion – alcohol, clubs, bands, and a peer group nobody’s parents would approve of. Two months before my twentieth birthday, I had just ended a long term relationship – a month before we were supposed to get married. It was rough. I remember returning home the night of my twentieth birthday after having friends visiting throughout the week. My apartment door was wide open and nobody was inside. Littered on the floor were liquor bottles and pizza boxes. It took me three trips to the shared…

  • The Fear of the Disciples and The Fear of Me

    Anne Jackson
    8 Feb 2010 | 5:00 am
    “Follow me.” As I read through the Scriptures, whenever Jesus said “follow me” there was never any itinerary. He never said, “Follow me, and we’ll be staying at Martha’s house. She’ll make us a killer pot roast.” He never said, “Follow me, and I promise you won’t get sick or be hurt.” He never said, “Follow me, and we’ll be gone for a week, come back for a few days to do laundry and get our feet washed, and then we’ll set out again for another week.” He simply said… “Follow me.”…

  • How Can I Pray for You?

    Anne Jackson
    5 Feb 2010 | 8:48 am
    Sometimes, when my writer’s brain is empty and there aren’t blog posts streaming from my fingers, I take that as a sign that I need to shut up a little bit and reflect and refill. As I take some time to do that over the next few days, how can I pray for – or celebrate – with you? Feel free to leave your requests in the comments section or pass this along to a friend you know who might need some encouragement and prayer from others. Let’s have this weekend be a little more intentional – a little more focused – on carrying each others’ burdens and…

  • When’s the Last Time You…

    Anne Jackson
    4 Feb 2010 | 4:54 pm
    I have been a vocal opponent of the iPhone since it came out. I’ve been a Blackberry girl since before you were born. I swore I’d never get an iPhone. Ever. Then a friend gave me one. Free. So…I tried it for a few months, and we didn’t like each other. And AT&T…well, as they say – there’s a map for that. I broke my contract (rejoicing!) and moved over to Sprint. The iPhone went to South Africa I got a Palm Pre. And, I didn’t like it. The battery lasted 45 seconds. So, taking advantage of the 30-day swap policy, I went back to a Blackberry.

  • What’s Your “One Thing?”

    Anne Jackson
    4 Feb 2010 | 9:28 am
    What’s the one thing in your life that God’s asking you to get rid of? That one habit? That one character trait? That one dream — that may be yours — but isn’t his? My one thing is getting my way. I like having things go my way. Like my cell phone should work internationally and my mail should be here on time and the person behind the counter should be nice and I should be able to eat cupcakes every day without gaining weight. I think that’s called entitlement. It must break. So… What is your one thing? Related posts:one thing i have learned today:…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Godspace

  • Time to Slow Down

    Christine Sine
    8 Feb 2010 | 9:07 am
    Well we are back in Seattle, very grateful that even though we ended up spending an extra day in Pittsburgh, our time was relaxed and enjoyable.  Not like many who have endured the weekend without power, and in some cases water and good food.  We are back just in time for Slow Down Week Slow down week. February 8-12 Adbusters encourages all of us to slow down.  I love their reminder that : Slow isn’t necessarily a pace, its a philosophy – a way of approaching life.  We can slow down simply by addressing the disconnect that makes life feel anxious, alienating and fast.  Read…

  • Am I Worshipping God for Only Me?

    Christine Sine
    7 Feb 2010 | 7:36 am
    I don’t usually blog or in fact open my computer on Sundays but because we are still waiting to make sure that our flight out of Pittsburgh this afternoon is actually going to fly, my routines have been somewhat disrupted.  So I decided to work on another Lenten meditation video based on Isaiah 58.  In the process I came across this beautiful and heartrending song by Shirley that is also based on Isaiah 58.  It would make a powerful Lenten reflection and I thought some of you would appreciate it.

  • Theology After Google

    Christine Sine
    6 Feb 2010 | 1:39 pm
    I have just been reading about this interesting conference Theology After Google: Leveraging New Technologies and Networks for Transformative Ministry which unfortunately I will not be able to attend.  As I watched this video by Adam Walker Cleavland and read this article by Philip Clayton I realized that Theology after Google is something I am already doing.  It looks as though I could now be classified as a theoblogger. Blogging, YouTube, Twitter, and social network sites like facebook and ning are all shaping our theology – not just because of the way we use them to communicate but…

  • Snowed In

    Christine Sine
    6 Feb 2010 | 7:39 am
    Tom & I are sitting in a hotel room in downtown Pittsburgh looking out on one of the biggest snowfalls of the last 100 years.  Time to relax and just enjoy an unexpected day off.  God has a way of slowing us all down at times and the break is very much appreciated.  In fact i am learning to accept breaks like this as gifts from God rather than getting all up tight about keeping to the schedule I had planned.  After all the February Seed Sampler is out and there is nothing that absolutely has to be done today.  (though I had hoped to get some seeds planted tomorrow.) These last couple…

  • Virtual Gardening

    Christine Sine
    4 Feb 2010 | 8:00 am
    If you are like me you are probably dying to get out into the garden – even though for some of you there is probably still snow on the ground.  So if you can’t get outside here are a couple of websites that you might like to check out to at least give you the feel of being outside.  They are great planning tools BBC’s Virtual Garden – it has a fun 3D function on the site and is free Kitchen Garden Planner – part of the gardener’s supply website which is one of my favourite places to look for seed starter supplies and self watering pots.  This is also…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    The Gospel.com Blog

  • How does Buddhism differ from Christianity?

    Andy
    8 Feb 2010 | 1:12 pm
    Most Christians have a passing familiarity with the major holidays and notable dates in other religions’ calendars—Jewish holidays like Hanukkah are well-known, as is the Islamic observance of Ramadan. Similarly, most Christians have at least a basic knowledge of those religions’ basic beliefs. But how much do you know about what Buddhists believe? Do you know how the claims of Buddhism compare and contrast with Christianity’s? February is a fitting time to learn more about Buddhist beliefs, since it’s when many Buddhists celebrate Parinirvana Day, the day that,…

  • Today’s devotional: does God really love me uniquely?

    Andy
    8 Feb 2010 | 4:39 am
    If God loves everybody, what’s so special about the fact that he loves me? Is God’s love for all of us exactly the same, and does that mean there’s nothing individual or unique about our relationship with Him? Those are the central questions in a devotional article from Nehemiah Ministries. Author Blaine Smith explains why humans long for distinctiveness—and why we long for a relationship for God that is unique: We long, on the one hand, to know that our work and accomplishment are unique–that we’re able to contribute something to human life that no one else…

  • How Important are Friendships to You?

    Chris
    5 Feb 2010 | 2:11 pm
    Perhaps the greatest example of friendship we have in the Bible is David and Jonathan. They made a covenant with one another and throughout their lives protected and loved each other deeply. When Jonathan died, David said “Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.” They had an intense friendship. An enviable one too. After all, who wouldn’t want a friend that would defend you even in the face of death? What about you though? How important are friendships to you? Would you ever make a covenant like David and Jonathan? Share your thoughts!

  • Losing my religion: an interview with David Bazan

    Andy
    5 Feb 2010 | 1:35 pm
    What’s it like to feel your faith slipping away? Christianity Today published an interview with David Bazan, a well-known musician and the former frontman for the indie rock band Pedro the Lion. Bazan is a former evangelical Christian who no longer counts himself as a believer, but he continues to speak (and sing) about God and the doubts that led him away from the Christian flock. Bazan’s departure from Christianity was a sad and reluctant one, and his former faith continues to haunt him, as this quote illustrates: Christian spirituality has played a huge part in your music. Will…

  • Today’s Devotional: How Does Knowledge Affect Faith?

    Chris
    5 Feb 2010 | 6:54 am
    In the Gospels, Thomas famously doubts Jesus’ resurrection. Thomas even went so far as to say that unless he could put his fingers where the nails held Jesus to the cross that he wouldn’t believe Jesus had been raised. A week after Thomas’ proclamation, Jesus appeared to the disciples and Thomas called Jesus his Lord and his God. Thomas’ first-hand knowledge strengthened his faith. In the following devotional, Our Daily Journey with God reflects on the relationship between knowledge and faith: The preacher asked his audience whether they believed he had a $20 bill in…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    HighCallingBlogs.com

  • Three Questions to Ask About Your Spiritual Connection to Leadership

    bradleyjmoore
    9 Feb 2010 | 4:00 am
    Hello gang, it’s Bradley J. Moore here. Last year I made a big stink about appearing as a guest speaker at an event that I eventually referred to simply as “The Event.” If you were there, you know what I’m talking about. If not, allow me to enlighten you. It was the Leadership & Spirituality program at Princeton’s Theological Seminary, where an incredible cross-section of business and church leaders came together last May to discuss what it means to connect a spiritual purpose to their careers.  We became an instant community. If you missed it last year, then you…

  • Loving Monday: The Power of Story

    Laura Boggess
    8 Feb 2010 | 4:00 am
    On a recent walk in an unfamiliar part of town, my husband and I passed an interesting place of business. Jesus Is Your Answer boasted the sign. Underneath this bold statement was the name of the company and then: Doing Business God’s Way. We had a chuckle at such an outspoken assertion and I peered through the window, curious. What does a company look like that does “Business God’s Way”? And, if I–as a Christian–find this establishment’s evangelistic methods somewhat amusing, what do nonChristians think? It’s a tricky thing, this work and faith. How do I carry my…

  • If it ain’t completely broke, fix it

    Lindsay Kate Reedy
    5 Feb 2010 | 6:00 am
    Dripping. It’s an unpleasant sight when it comes to cars. With every ounce of mysterious fluid splattering on the ground, we wince at the potential cost of the unknown problem. A pop of the hood may reveal answers – depending on familiarity with engineering and mechanics – but the trickle appearing in our parking spot still means money. In November it was my radiator that decided to shed its green tears. Not harmless windshield washer fluid, but a bigger issue for my 1987 Chevy Celebrity. And now I had a stewardship decision to make. This 160,000-mile, six-cylinder, antique wonder is a…

  • Come Together

    Dan King
    4 Feb 2010 | 5:55 am
    Is it okay to start off this post by telling you how excited I am? Let me explain… I’ve been celebrating the third birthday of my own blog this week, and my blogging has created some pretty cool opportunities for me. Last year I joined a team from a microfinance organization on a mission trip to Kenya and Uganda to do some teaching. I’ve also had the pleasure of interviewing some really cool people like Todd Agnew. And now I have the opportunity to work with an amazing team of writers here at HighCallingBlogs.com. I share this to help make the point that it is really…

  • Having a Say

    Billy Coffey
    3 Feb 2010 | 5:00 am
    My children were convinced that the snowstorm last week was their doing. No doubt about it. And as that snow resulted in school closing, they were also convinced that every teacher and student in the county should shower them with praise. They seemed quite smug about the whole thing. This magical manipulation of nature involved a rather unorthodox and highly secretive ritual performed the night before—they flushed two ice cubes down the toilet. According to the theory, one cube produces approximately two and a half inches of snow. Good for snowballs, but not for closing school. Hence the…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Good Letters: The Image Blog

  • New Orleans: Heedless and Brave

    9 Feb 2010 | 12:20 pm
    Out of grace and sheer dumb luck, I’ve been fortunate enough to visit most of the “must see” sites in these United States. I’ve seen the Grand Canyon, Statue of Liberty, Niagara Falls, and the Golden Gate Bridge. I’ve watched the sun turn pink and set over the Olympic Mountains from an island in Puget Sound. I’ve watched the sun turn pink and rise over....

  • The Company of the Saints

    8 Feb 2010 | 1:14 pm
    As I write this, two events are fast approaching: a major winter storm and the Saints-Colts Superbowl. I’m not sure which is making me more nervous. Snowstorms were par for the course when we lived in Pittsburgh and Northern Indiana, but in rural Virginia, even a few inches....

  • Imagining Sorrow

    5 Feb 2010 | 11:29 am
    In West Africa, Haiti seems as far away as the moon. Present, distant, it rises every evening to hang in a balance with the glowing Harmattan sun. A few hours later it shows a bright white face against the night. Then the clouds take it back again. A shyster prophet called....

  • If You Love Something...

    3 Feb 2010 | 9:33 pm
    Last month, on the first night of winter, my nephew came home for Christmas break. For the past five years, since my dad (my nephew’s previous legal guardian) died, my nephew (now nineteen) has lived with me. He’s been away at school—a boarding high school, then university—so “living with me” has meant summers and vacations....

  • Through the Dark

    3 Feb 2010 | 4:01 pm
    Most of the time, I don’t feel like a brave person. This has been true since I was a child, a child plagued by strange and vivid fears. I remember lying in bed at night listening to the drone of airplanes passing by overhead—I would imagine a change in the tenor of the engine, and felt certain....
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    www.markdroberts.com

  • Proof That Even Brilliant Professors Can Lack Common Sense?!?

    Mark D. Roberts
    9 Feb 2010 | 12:01 am
    Last week I visited one of the leading universities in the United States. It is especially famous for its outstanding research faculty. Academic brilliance flourishes in this place. I was meeting with a member of that faculty, and spent a few hours in his office. On his floor were a couple dozen colleagues in his field. When I went to use the men’s restroom, I was impressed by a sign that had been carefully taped above a toilet’s flushing mechanism. It read: PLEASE FLUSH AFTER USE! I had to wonder why this sign was there. Surely the professors knew that they’re supposed to…

  • NY Times: “Microsoft’s Creative Destruction”

    Mark D. Roberts
    8 Feb 2010 | 12:01 am
    Last Thursday I read a striking op-ed piece in the New York Times.  It was written by Dick Brass, a former VP for Microsoft. Brass argues that Microsoft has become a place where genuine innovation is discouraged. Here are a few excerpts: . . . Microsoft is no longer considered the cool or cutting-edge place to work. There has been a steady exit of its best and brightest. . . . What happened? Unlike other companies, Microsoft never developed a true system for innovation. Some of my former colleagues argue that it actually developed a system to thwart innovation. Despite having one of the…

  • Sunday Inspiration from The High Calling

    Mark D. Roberts
    7 Feb 2010 | 12:01 am
    A Time to Be Quiet and a Time to Speak READ Mark 14:41-65 Then the high priest stood up before the others and asked Jesus, “Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?” But Jesus was silent and made no reply. Then the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Mark 14:60-61 After Jesus was arrested, he was taken to the home of the high priest, where he was interrogated by Jewish leaders from Jerusalem. Many witnesses offered testimony against Jesus, but their stories were not sufficient to condemn him. As he…

  • Rereading a Classic: Christian Mission in the Modern World by John Stott, Part 3

    Mark D. Roberts
    5 Feb 2010 | 12:01 am
    Today I finish sharing some quotations from John Stott’s classic book Christian Mission in the Modern World. Toward the end of his chapter on mission, Stott focuses on the question of vocation or calling. I begin with vocation, by which I mean a Christian’s lifework. We often given the impression that if a young Christian man is really keen for Christ he will undoubtedly become a foreign missionary, that if he is not quite as keen as that he will stay at home and become a pastor, that if he lacks the dedication to he a pastor, he will no doubt serve as a doctor or a teacher, while…

  • Rereading a Classic: Christian Mission in the Modern World by John Stott, Part 2

    Mark D. Roberts
    4 Feb 2010 | 12:01 am
    Yesterday I began sharing some quotations from John Stott’s classic book Christian Mission in the Modern World. Today I’ll add a few more: Let me return now to the Great Commission. I have tried to argue that its Johannine form, according to which the church’s mission is to be modeled on the Son’s, implies that we are sent into the world to serve, and that the humble service we are to render will include for us as it did for Christ both words and works, a concern for the hunger and for the sickness of both body and soul, in other words, both evangelistic and social…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Mere Orthodoxy

  • The Emerging Church is Dead(?)

    Matthew Lee Anderson
    8 Feb 2010 | 7:38 pm
    Or at least on life support. Andrew Jones suggested that 2009 represented a decisive year for the movement, and he’s been as careful observer of it as any.  Of course, people disagree with him–but then, when it comes to that conversation, everything is up for grabs, isn’t it?  Which, I gather, has been one of the central problems. At any rate, Ben Simpson (whose blog I have been enjoying of late) pointed me this afternoon to this promise to take-down the emerging church by Jeremy Bouma, a 29-year-old participant in the movement who has grown a bit disenchanted with it.

  • The Witness of Being Weird

    Matthew Lee Anderson
    7 Feb 2010 | 6:59 pm
    One of the main themes of Evangel’s early days was evangelicals’ complex relationship to culture. I recently came across Evangel contributor Dr. Russell Moore’s astute analysis on the question from 2007 in the pages of Touchstone, the other ecumenical magazine of record. Dr. Moore’s piece really needs to be read in its entirety, as he manages to thoughtfully engage the question without degenerating into overreaction or hyperbole.  He is in favor of evangelical ‘engagement’ with culture, but cognizant of its limitations. But what struck me was this bit near the end: Often at the…

  • Modernity and Medieval Science

    Matthew Lee Anderson
    6 Feb 2010 | 10:08 am
    Like Matt Milliner, I’m impressed by David Schaengold’s post over at the League of Ordinary Gentlemen, wherein he relates observation decks, science, and the joy of observation: Being happy merely to see and to understand, as scientists are, is the feeling responsible for observation decks, whose most intellectually incurious and aesthetically stolid visitors thrill with joy as they marvel at the works of Man and discover how familiar neighborhoods tessellate. Though surmise about the psychology of ages past is hazardous, I’ll venture to guess that the civilization of the modern…

  • A Biological Basis for Traditional Marriage?

    Matthew Lee Anderson
    5 Feb 2010 | 2:42 pm
    Heather MacDonald’s latest piece at National Review explores some of the questions surrounding gay marriage, and the difficulties that arise when parental status and identity is established solely by intent, rather than by biology–as it is in the case of homosexual marriage. The question, of course, that MacDonald has to answer is why this separation matters at all.  She answers: The institutionalized severing of biology from parenthood affirms a growing trend in our society, that of men abandoning their biological children. Too many men now act like sperm donors: they conceive a…

  • Babies: The Most Endearing Film of 2010

    Matthew Lee Anderson
    4 Feb 2010 | 8:41 pm
    I’ve watched this trailer three times now, and I just can’t quit. HT:  Josh Trevino
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    novus•lumen

  • Goodbye Emergent: Why I’m Taking The Theology of the Emerging Church To Task

    Jeremy
    8 Feb 2010 | 6:28 am
    Update: Another one who doesn’t care about the emerging church anymore. Once upon a time I was enamored by the “I-am-not-a-movement-but-a-conversation” known as the emerging church (In fact, at my seminary I’ve been known as Emergent Jeremy!) Five years ago, I stumbled upon an “emerging” author known as Brian McLaren (even attending his church for a stint). I gobbled-up his “A New Kind of Christian” trilogy because it’s question-asking permissive narrative gave flesh to the phantom that was haunting me at the time: What the hell is this…

  • novus•lumen Posting Schedule Change

    Jeremy
    5 Feb 2010 | 6:47 am
    In re-launching novus•lumen 2.0 after giving it a hyperlocal G-Rap focus, I said I’d post something new every Monday and Thursday. Well it turns out I have a lot more to say than I thought! Now, I will post something every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, leaving the weekends to be with God and my wife These posts will be my hyperlocal thoughts on the tension of spirituality and theology, politics and culture, belief and practice, existing and emerging forms of Church, the Kingdom of God and America, modern and postmodern thought, and the gritty drama that is our collective Grand…

  • Run 2010 with Perseverance—Hebrews 12:1-3 and Jesus as Pacer

    Jeremy
    4 Feb 2010 | 7:10 am
    A few weeks ago I taught through Hebrews 12:1-3 to encourage the community in which I serve to run this years race with perseverance. I opened the message with these questions: The year is 2020…you are 10 years older. WHERE DO YOU WANT TO BE? A better question might be…WHO do you want to be? Who do you want to be as a HUSBAND? A WIFE? Who do you want to be as a SON…or DAUGHTER? Who do you want to be as an EMPLOYEE? Who do you want to be as a FRIEND? Who do you want to be as GRANDPA or GRANDMA? How about as a CHRISTIAN, a follower of Christ? May you run this years race with…

  • “The Book of Eli,” Christianity, and Relgious Pluralism: An Appeal to Grand Rapids Christians

    Jeremy
    1 Feb 2010 | 9:14 am
    Spoiler Alert! Throughout this post I give away some of the movie themes and toward the end of this post I give away the ending. If you don’t want to know what happens, read no further A week ago my wife and I watched the engrossing movie The Book of Eli. It is an American post-Apocalyptic film in which the main character, Eli (played by Denzel Washington), is on mission to bring a book to the West Coast. That book turns out to be the last remaining Bible, the last remaining Bible, a King James Bible no less. Along the way another man, Carnegie (playes by Gary Oldman), seeks to recover…

  • “The Great High Priest” Jesus in The Book of Hebrews

    Jeremy
    28 Jan 2010 | 8:37 am
    This a message I gave at the church at which I serve on Hebrews 5:1-10; 9:11-15; and 10:11-18. I sought paints a fresh portrait of Jesus Christ as our Great High Priest. As our High Priest, Hebrews explains why it was necessary for Jesus to be very Human, how His sacrifice brought about a New Covenant between God and Humanity, and that this sacrifice was a once-for-all sacrifice announcing “It is finished!” I hope you enjoy the listen!
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    open source theology - collaborative theology for the emerging church

  • The Irony of Christian Syncretism

    Jacob
    15 Jan 2010 | 9:08 am
    Many Christians argue that syncretism is a problem for believers today.  Blending Christian and non-Christian practices is a bad move.  For instance, Denny Burk recently argued that Christians should not observe Ramadan with Muslims and hecalled out Richard Mouw and Brian McLaren for doing so.

  • The Voice- an emergent Bible translation?

    hilary
    3 Jan 2010 | 5:56 am
    “The Voice”, a new translation of the New Testament, was published in 2008, but I only recently became aware of it through some scathing reviews such as this from Chris Rosebrough at Extreme Theology: “I recently purchased a copy of this fresh “dynamic translation” of Bible and spent some time doing comparative work with key passages of the New Testament from The Voice, The ESV and the Greek text. Sadly I must report that this new Emergent “translation” is so far off the mark that I think one could reasonably argue that by producing their…

  • Revelation Recontextualised

    peter wilkinson
    29 Dec 2009 | 5:05 am
    Not just because I get quoted on Dave Wainscott’s blog (Gustavo Martin pointed it out to me - in connection with his article on Register Analysis in Mark 13 ), but because there is also a great example of how the narrative/historical can be applied to contemporary belief and practice, I offer the following link to Rob Bell on Revelation, also on Dave Wainscott’s blog.

  • Mark 13 and Register Analysis

    peter wilkinson
    18 Dec 2009 | 5:42 am
    Frequenters of OST who follow the debates surrounding Andrew’s radical re-reading of the gospels according to a historical narrative interpretation, and the focus on the Olivet discourse (Mark 13, Matthew 24 and Luke 17), will be interested in Gustavo Martin’s reading of Mark 13 which draws on the principles of Halliday’s register theory (“the set of meanings, the configuration of semantic patterns, that are typically drawn upon under the specific conditions, along with the words and structures that are used in the realization of these meanings”…

  • One important reason that objective monotheism is a bad idea; or, How to respond to a philosophical realist/atheist in the blogosphere

    Jacob
    1 Dec 2009 | 7:24 pm
    Ed Yong at the blog, Not Exactly Rocket Science, discusses a recent study: For many religious people, the popular question “What would Jesus do?” is essentially the same as “What would I do?” That’s the message from an intriguing and controversial new study by Nicholas Epley from the University of Chicago. Through a combination of surveys, psychological manipulation and brain-scanning, he has found that when religious Americans try to infer the will of God, they mainlydraw on their own personal beliefs. Psychological studies have found that people are…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Let My People Think (RZIM)

  • Is Faith Delusional (Part 1 of 2)

    Ravi Zacharias
    5 Feb 2010 | 9:00 pm
    The attacks on Christianity from atheists have reached a new peak. In the past few months books have been written with titles like The God Delusion. Are Christians truly deluded? Ravi Zacharias answers the charge this week on Let My People Think.

  • Keeping the Faith (Overcoming a Successful Parent) (Part 2 of 2)

    Ravi Zacharias
    29 Jan 2010 | 9:00 pm
    The life of an evangelist or a preacher is a difficult one. But the life of their children is even harder…especially when that evangelist or preacher is well known. This week on Let My People Think Ravi Zacharias is joined by Ruth Graham and Dr. Roslyn Harden Scott to talk about the struggles of the children of successful pastors.

  • Keeping the Faith (Overcoming a Successful Parent) (Part 1 of 2)

    Ravi Zacharias
    22 Jan 2010 | 9:00 pm
    The life of an evangelist or a preacher is a difficult one. But the life of their children is even harder…especially when that evangelist or preacher is well known. This week on Let My People Think Ravi Zacharias is joined by Ruth Graham and Dr. Roslyn Harden Scott to talk about the struggles of the children of successful pastors.

  • Apologetics and Worldviews (Part 2 of 2)

    Ravi Zacharias
    15 Jan 2010 | 9:00 pm
    This week on Let My People Think: a classroom style lecture that Ravi delivered recently at Wheaton College to a group of budding apologists. The message is; your worldview affects not only your apologetics but all your efforts to spread the Gospel.

  • Apologetics and Worldviews (Part 1 of 2)

    Ravi Zacharias
    8 Jan 2010 | 9:00 pm
    This week on Let My People Think: a classroom style lecture that Ravi delivered recently at Wheaton College to a group of budding apologists. The message is; your worldview affects not only your apologetics but all your efforts to spread the Gospel.
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Real Live Preacher

  • Three dreams before Sunday

    rlp
    6 Feb 2010 | 8:36 am
    I had three dreams early Saturday morning before my last Sunday as the pastor of Covenant Baptist Church. Salting the Edwards Aquifer In the first of three dreams I had this night, there was a big controversy in San Antonio regarding the Edwards Aquifer, our city’s source of water. Some, mostly conservatives, wanted to add massive amounts of salt to the aquifer. They claimed the salt would create a “salt pan” and preserve the aquifer in some way, insuring us of a supply of water in the future. I tried to make a guess at what this meant. I asked their expert if the salt would sink to the…

  • One last Sunday

    rlp
    5 Feb 2010 | 1:57 pm
    I used to wonder how my time at Covenant would end. Back in the middle of it all, back when I couldn’t imagine any other life for myself, I would wonder what my last Sunday would be like. I knew my time at Covenant was not preparing me for ministry in another church. For better and for worse, Covenant Baptist Church is a unique kind of community that doesn’t follow the rules. I am not by nature good at organizational and managerial issues. I wonder, did my personality help create this strange little church that has always been somewhat unorganized and lightly managed? I don’t know, but…

  • 5 Sermons

    rlp
    3 Feb 2010 | 5:59 am
    Although I am leaving Covenant, I'm still the youth pastor for the Southwest Baptist Youth Camping Association, of which my church is a part. Our camp is in June. The ministers rotate through this, and this is my year. It's a challenge, preaching to teenagers. One that I relish! I'm pumped about this. Our theme is "Heroes." My goal: find the hardest, most heroic things about being a Christian and push the life instead of the dogma. Today I disappear into my office at the church to get ready for our big planning meeting tomorrow in Fort Worth. I have 5 sermons planned. Going to work on them…

  • Sometimes you have to choose

    rlp
    1 Feb 2010 | 12:56 pm
    On Thursday I said that I became a minister after feeling a “calling” when I was seventeen. It was a very natural thing for me, having grown up in the the culture of southern, evangelical Christianity. My father was a Baptist minister. Our lives revolved around the church. We were there whenever the doors were open, and if the doors were locked, my dad had the key. Virtually all of our family friends were Christian insiders, many of them ministers. My best friends were in the youth group at the church. I was aware that many people did not go to church as often as we did and were not…

  • Processing... Processing...

    rlp
    28 Jan 2010 | 2:31 pm
    Say there was this guy who was the pastor of a church. He was a nice enough guy. He tried to be a good Christian and tried to be a good pastor. Twelve years into it, he suddenly finds himself writing fictional stories about a pastor who walks away from the church. He also finds himself fantasizing about leaving the church himself. He doesn’t know why. He likes what he’s doing. He loves his church, which is the coolest kind of easy-going church you could imagine. The administrative and other burdens of this church are probably lighter than any church on the planet, so he can’t complain.
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    RedBlueChristian

  • Not to Beat a Dead Horse on the Recent Supreme Court Decision… But…

    Allan Bevere
    4 Feb 2010 | 6:32 am
    In a Q & A at a law school in Florida, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas gives his take on why the Court was right in its recent decision on corporations and free speech. What I find interesting is Thomas gives a little history on how the limiting of speech by corporations started in the first place. He states, “…the history of Congressional regulation of corporate involvement in politics had a dark side, pointing to the Tillman Act, which banned corporate contributions to federal candidates in 1907.” “Go back and read why Tillman introduced that…

  • Obama’s College Giveaway

    ChrisB
    3 Feb 2010 | 10:25 am
    One item in Pres. Obama’s State of the Union address hasn’t gotten a lot of air time since: “… let’s tell another one million students that when they graduate, they will be required to pay only 10 percent of their income on student loans, and all of their debt will be forgiven after 20 years — and forgiven after 10 years if they choose a career in public service, because in the United States of America, no one should go broke because they chose to go to college.” My initial response was, “Are you out of your ever-loving mind?!” After digesting…

  • A Rational Perspective on the Supreme Court and Corporate Campaign Money

    Allan Bevere
    1 Feb 2010 | 11:16 am
    The latest decision by the Supreme Court on allowing corporations to pay for campaign advertising directly out of their treasuries instead of from their political action committees, has generated more heat than light in the debate. I have linked below what I think is a sane response from law professor Jonathan Turley, who indicates that either way this decision was not a no-brainer. Turley indicates that Justice Kennedy’s majority opinion and Justice Steven’s dissent are both excellent and convincing arguments. Jonathan Turley on the SCOTUS Decision Moreover, in an editorial in…

  • The Future of Healthcare Reform

    ChrisB
    20 Jan 2010 | 10:34 am
    Unless you’re living under a rock, you’ve surely heard that the GOP won Ted Kennedy’s old Senate seat putting the Democrats one vote shy of a filibuster-proof super-majority. The big question is what will happen with the healthcare reform bill(s). So far the options seem to be: 1) The House can pass the Senate bill as-is. 2) The Senate can employ the “nuclear option” and pass a conference bill with 51 votes. 3) The whole thing could die and go away as it did in the 90’s. 4) The whole thing could start over with a GOP that can demand to be involved. I fear…

  • Did Independents Perpetrate a Massacre in Massachusetts?

    Allan Bevere
    20 Jan 2010 | 10:01 am
    Yesterday’s election of a Republican Senator in Massachusetts to the seat held for many years by the late Ted Kennedy has been referred to as “the shot heard round the country,” and as a “kick-mass” election. Was last night’s upset a massacre in Massachusetts? Hardly… but what happened last night should be an obvious warning that both Democrats and Republicans need to heed, though they probably won’t. (more…)
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Red Letter Believers

  • Why do we have colors?

    5 Feb 2010 | 10:01 am
    Why did God create a world that is not only functional, but extraordinarily poetic and lovely in every way? Author Fulton J. Sheen says it is the same reason that we find it hard to keep a secret. “Good things are hard to keep. The rose is good, and tells its secret in perfume. The sun is good, and tells its secret in light and heart….God cannot keep the secret of His love and the telling of it was his creation.” In order to fully appreciate the nature of the Creator, we need to become students of His creation. We need to take joy in the intricate details of the world around us We need…

  • Are we all above average? Really?

    2 Feb 2010 | 7:00 am
    (We are honored to have this post featured in today's High Calling Blogs. Please visit and post a comment while you are there.) Radio comic Garrison Keiller has told the joke hundreds of times about the fictional town of Lake Wobegon, “where all the women are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above average.” We might laugh about it, but deep down, in our own fictional towns, we actually think it’s true. Our children never deserve a C, our driving is better than every other driver, and we are simply smarter than everyone else out there. The workplace is…

  • Live it! Tim Tebow throws deep for his faith

    31 Jan 2010 | 4:00 pm
    Short of the Olympics, the Super Bowl is the world’s most-watched sporting event in the world. And advertisers pay a top dollar to catch the eyes of those viewers. In a first for them, Focus on the Family has shot a 30-second video that will supposedly give a pro-life message. The commercial features Florida Gators superstar quarterback Tim Tebow and his mother, Pam.Although the exact contents of the commercial aren't revealed yet, we do know that during her pregnancy with Tim, Pam contracted amoebic dysentery and there were concerns that the strong medications had damaged her child.The…

  • Whistling in the workshop: Creative joy in the workplace

    27 Jan 2010 | 7:00 am
    As a boy, there was nothing I loved more than to be with my Dad while he built things in his workshop. With precision and deft skill, Dad grasped each board.  He carefully measured twice and then with a confident cut, sawed it in two. Each piece would fit perfectly like a complicated puzzle.  Although he used the tools of his trade --  hammer, saw, screwdriver --  it was ultimately his hands that impressed me most.  They were strong, skilled, and stable.  And his eyes danced with the thrill of making something. Whistling below his breath, he would happily…

  • Which bridge to cross. Which bridge to burn.

    24 Jan 2010 | 3:35 pm
    When life hits you hard, it's not always easy to remember that this is just temporary. When you are gasping for air, you forget about another world -- a place where there is no more hurt, no more fear, no more frustration.Right now, I need eternity desperately. I long for a home away from this home. But I can't get there right now. I can't find the escape hatch.Am I stuck?So I look around and suddenly I see need. I see purpose. I see signficance. This planet is a place that I can make a difference, a place where I can touch lives and help bring them from a hopeless existence to one of eternal…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Reformissionary

  • Music Monday 2.8.10

    Steve McCoy
    8 Feb 2010 | 12:38 pm
    Buy some good music today... Yeasayer: Odd Blood - $3.99 - today's deal so don't wait! Yeasayer: All Hour Cymbals - $5 Vampire Weekend: Contra - $5 - still getting a lot of play time on my iPod. So good. Aaron Ivey: Between the Beauty and Chaos - $8.99 - stuck in my head from Verge... let your kingdom come let your will be done and all the earth will sayand echo angels' praisethat you are God Other good stuff...If you haven't heard/downloaded Peter Gabriel's cover of Bon Iver's "Flume," you are missing out. Just trust me (even if…

  • Verge: Day Three

    Steve McCoy
    6 Feb 2010 | 10:53 am
    WiFi is too sketchy here at Verge, so please see my Twitter feed for my take on stuff. 

  • Verge: Day Two

    Steve McCoy
    5 Feb 2010 | 7:25 am
    *Updated as WiFi holds out.     Main Session IINeil ColeGospel is...the kingdom has come.*Sorry, having a rough run with WiFi here at Verge. Hard to find the connection to keep this up.     Breakout Session 1Jeff Vanderstelt & Caesar Kalinowski of Soma Communities (*break out stuff below will be more quotes and content than my thoughts on them)Notes at Soma School - here's the PDF.Missional Community (MC) is a gospel community - being formed by the gospel, living life by the gospel. The shift needed is to start thinking of people as family.MC sent by missionaries to a…

  • Verge: Day One

    Steve McCoy
    4 Feb 2010 | 5:53 pm
    My post for the day. For quotes and such go to Twitter #verge10. Updated regularly here are my personal thoughts, reflections, etc.     Main Session I: Matt Carter - Pastor, The Austin StoneCarter challenged us to not be about the mission, but about Jesus. Comes from Revelation 2. If we are about Jesus we will properly be about mission. If we are about mission (primarily, or ultimately) we will lose track of Jesus. Francis Chan - Pastor, Cornerstone ChurchChan does theology. His style is engaging and winsome. He's funny. But he drops bombs. Simple lit fuses leading to truth and…

  • In Austin for Verge

    Steve McCoy
    4 Feb 2010 | 2:31 pm
    I flew out of O'Hare in Chicago at 10:15am after an hour delay. Arrived in Austin at about 1:30pm. Hitched a ride with Brent Thomas and three other guys. Got lost because of my navigational issues. And have now arrived at the Aloft Hotel in Austin. Looking forward to tonight's first main session. I'm not really sure how I'm going to approach blogging/Twittering Verge. I don't want to just overload Twitter with a zillion quotes of everything said. Especially since all of you can get the live stream for free! Follow @VergeConference on Twitter. Keep up with the verge…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    The Scriptorium Daily: Middlebrow

  • Scott Bessenecker on Leadership

    Greg Peters
    8 Feb 2010 | 10:29 pm
    I just finished reading Scott Bessenecker’s new book How to Inherit the Earth: Submitting Ourselves to a Servant Savior (InterVarsity Press, 2009; $15). Overall it was a good book, easy to read and understand. According to Bessenecker, most leaders in today’s church have bought into the MONOPOLY™ mindset of leadership. Simply put that means most leaders work from a perspective that “imprisons the poor, broken and needy while rewarding the greedy and corrupt” (p. 151). Think those are harsh words, welcome to Bessenecker’s tendency towards overstatement, which I will address before…

  • Rick Steves on how travel helps your Christianity

    Allen Yeh
    8 Feb 2010 | 10:29 am
    If you’ve just read this recent article called “Dispatches from Abroad” by Brett McCracken, you might be interested in this article called “Travelers’ Blessings” by Rick Steves. I’ve long been familiar with Rick Steves as one of the best travel guides for Europe, but I had no idea he was a Christian! He has some amazing insights on how travel helps your Christianity—the article is reprinted below. Travelers’ Blessings An interview with Rick Steves by Amy Frykholm Rick Steves got into the travel business by teaching travel classes at the University of Washington in…

  • ‘We’re on a mission from God.’

    Matt Jenson
    8 Feb 2010 | 12:00 am
    In the 1980 movie The Blues Brothers, Dan Akroyd deadpans: ‘We’re on a mission from God.’ He and his partner are in the process of putting their band back together and are enlisting an old bandmate, and Akroyd’s character flatly insists that the divine origin of their project is sufficient warrant for the man to rejoin the band. Missions from God worry us, of course; they remind us of loose cannons and power mongers whose purportedly divine missions always seem to reveal a more diabolical than divine origin. To speak of the missio Dei, though, is to make a small, but significant,…

  • The Examined Life of Socrates

    Fred Sanders
    4 Feb 2010 | 12:24 am
    “The unexamined life is not worth living,” said Socrates. In fact, it might be the most famous thing he ever said. If you wanted a Socrates T-shirt, button, or bumper sticker, this is the phrase that would go on it. Socrates wasn’t good at sound bites. His preferred philosophical style was the interrogation, and he could most often be overheard asking questions with the form, “My friends, what is ________ ?” No matter what you were talking about, Socrates would grab ahold of the most important noun and start worrying it with questions about its essence. If you…

  • A Republic in Peril: the Death of Liberty

    John Mark Reynolds
    3 Feb 2010 | 4:35 pm
    Nothing, not a plague of Biblical proportions or a President Jon Edwards, would harm the Republic more than allowing a handsome football quarterback and his mother to give a Super Bowl commercial celebrating life. The Super Bowl and the commercials that come with it have always been an event that celebrated taste and family values. This year while enjoying flatulent horses, objectified women picked for their silicon valleys, and endless advertisements for gluttony and drunkenness, my family will be forced to endure a woman who looks like a woman and a man who practices chastity sharing their…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Seedlings in Stone

  • Loving Monday: Show, Don't Tell

    L.L. Barkat
    6 Feb 2010 | 1:38 pm
    We are fond, in the writing world, of saying, "Show, don't tell." In other words: give stories, pictures, an embodiment of what you're really trying to share.Today, rereading The Pastor as Minor Poet I was struck by Barnes' assertion that the "pastor is less interested in making an argument for the presence of Jesus Christ than in simply showing him to the congregation."Seems to me that's true for all of us: our lives should show Jesus more than arguing for Jesus.How does this happen in the workplace? I love that Beckett's book Loving Monday: Succeeding in Business Without Selling Your Soul…

  • Live from NYC (yesterday :)

    L.L. Barkat
    30 Jan 2010 | 12:07 pm
    I took a train into NYC. Looking out the window, I could see the Hudson crushed up against her shores, like huge shards of glass. So cold here. So, so cold. But I didn't mind. I was going to meet Brooke Campbell for the first time. Sorry, Brooke, first the restroom in the IAM space. Priorities, see? :)I read poetry, she played guitar. And we shared a bag of honey-roasted peanuts I brought from home. (Did you finish the bag? I don't remember. :)Brooke takes things with a grain of salt, I think. And she sings about sugar spoons. Beautifully.Want to see the whole program? Slide over to about the…

  • One More Reason to Join HCB (sorta :)

    L.L. Barkat
    26 Jan 2010 | 12:24 pm
    He's funny. He's irreverent (in the best sense of the word). He's published two books. He's ours (in a way :). Come to HighCallingBlogs and hang out. Where else can you get a real live *Communion Wafer Taste Tester* at your service?For more Gordon Atkinson, more of the time, visit his blog Real Live Preacher and follow him on Twitter at @RLPreacher(Contents of package may shift during delivery. :)----This post stolen (um borrowed, no... piggybacked, no... respectfully emulated) from GoodWordEditing's Napkin Story post. Here's the first of the Monkey Chow Diaries that Gordon initially…

  • The Spirituality of Business

    L.L. Barkat
    25 Jan 2010 | 5:30 am
    If business can inform spirituality, as we mused last week, then why not the inverse? I had the pleasure of interviewing businessman (and fellow HCB writer) Bradley J. Moore who recently wrote a helpful article on Six Ways to Take a Micro Sabbatical over at Michael Hyatt's blog. Here's what Bradley told me about spirituality and business, as well as a few other important things like tweeting in traffic and working for HCB...1. Tell me about your business life. What does your average day look like? (Sure, you can start by revealing which traffic lights you tweet at during your commute…

  • The Business of Spirituality

    L.L. Barkat
    18 Jan 2010 | 7:21 am
    I can remember days when the simplest thing would set me to praise— sparrows alighting on forsythia, a certain slant of light beyond the roof. Too, I've had those moments when nothing seemed to penetrate; the most spectacular sunset only served to highlight a sinking feeling that had followed me through days or weeks. Worst of all, I've sat and watched the trees swing in the wind, my own spirit plagued by failure or disappointment over the world's tragedies, and I've wondered, "God, are you even there? Or is life just meaningless, something tossed about the way maple, pine and hemlock…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Simply Missional

  • Verge 2010 is Close

    admin
    2 Feb 2010 | 11:47 am
    Can’t wait to attend Verge this week in Austin. I would love to connect and meet-up with anyone who is attending. I will be hosting the tweetup tomorrow night, serving on the social media team, speaking on the orphan care panel Saturday and HELP will have a booth set-up also. Below is a sample picture of the back-drop for the booth. We are getting close to launching our Garage Sale for Orphans initiative that will rescue homeless orphans! Needless to say, it’s going to be a fun-filled, crazy few days, that includes much conversation about Jesus, missional living, and the church!

  • Philly Trip

    admin
    27 Jan 2010 | 6:27 am
    I’m writing this post as I fly back from Philly to Austin. For a second I thought I was going to get stuck in Philly, due to some bad weather. Then, I was told I would have to sleep over night in Chicago. However, I mad a last second flight to San Antonio! I had a great few days in Philly, here’s a brief rundown: Friday night I flew into Philly, and Todd drove me to LT’s church to connect with Tony from Ember. Here’s the view from LT’s church! LT and Tony had teamed up to do a cross-culture mission experience in Chinatown. They are a great group of dudes. One…

  • Philly, Here I Come

    admin
    23 Jan 2010 | 8:12 am
    In less than an hour, I will head to the airport, and fly to Philly via Chicago Midway (please, no snow). I can’t wait to hang with Todd Hiestand, speak at The Well and connect with others such as Laurence, and Tom. Hopefully, I’ll get to spend some time with students who are on a mission trip from the burbs to Downtown Philly, and share about God’s heart for the global poor! These are some great dudes who have a heart for God, mission and the poor. I know I will be blessed to spend time with these dudes.

  • T-Shirts for Haiti

    admin
    16 Jan 2010 | 6:54 am
    A few days ago we blogged about our desire to help the people of Haiti. After many hours of work by some amazing designers, and techies (more on those people soon), we’ve finally launched our online store with 2 designs, and three shirts. 100% of all proceeds (roughly $12-14 per shirt) will go directly to Real Hope for Haiti. Please do us a favor, tweet this link, Facebook it, email your friends, etc. Also, we have more designs coming in the future by some amazing artist. We hope to serve the people of Haiti longterm!

  • Pause and Help

    admin
    14 Jan 2010 | 10:32 am
    Had to stop and breath for a moment. Life has been CRAZY, and it’s only going to get crazier in the next few weeks. Of course, when a disaster hits like what has happened in Haiti, it causes even more stress as we react with a simple way to help. But, here’s the deal, if you’re to busy to stop and help the good folks of Haiti, than maybe your just to busy. Please take a moment, and consider helping! I’m so grateful for all the people who are doing something to make a difference. You can really see the power of social media, especially when you have people who are ready…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    SmartChristian.com

  • THE TOP 50 EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN BLOGS Permalink

    Andrew Jackson
    3 Feb 2010 | 5:40 pm
    THE TOP 50 EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN BLOGS Check this very good list of Christian blogs.

  • Here Are a Few of My New Websites Permalink

    Andrew Jackson
    29 Jan 2010 | 6:38 pm
    HERE ARE A FEW OF MY NEW WEBSITES (1) My updated resume: www.AndrewJackson.info (2) Details on my Islam Seminar: www.IslamSeminar.com (3) Details on my Mormon Seminar: www.MormonSeminar.com (4) I have become engaged in a new initiative writing and producing videos for sermon introductions. You can find more details at www.BibleVideoProductions.com.  We have produced video introductions for every book of the New Testament.

  • www.ExperienceTurkeyTours.com Permalink

    Andrew Jackson
    24 Oct 2009 | 6:21 pm
    www.ExperienceTurkeyTours.com Take a look at my new site. Join me sometime.

  • JOHN PIPER & ESCHATOLOGY CONVERSATION Permalink

    Andrew Jackson
    7 Oct 2009 | 11:29 am
    JOHN PIPER & ESCHATOLOGY CONVERSATION John Piper leads a conversation of eschatology (end times and book of Revelation) with Sam Storms, Doug Wilson and Jim Hamilton.  Excellent. Audio and video available at Desiring God.

  • SOJOURNERS’ JIM WALLIS & ACORN Permalink

    Andrew Jackson
    27 Sep 2009 | 5:40 pm
    SOJOURNERS’ JIM WALLIS & ACORN Jim Wallis, the leader of Sojourners and the progressive Christian movement was a keynote speaker at the 2008 ACORN National Conference. This is what he said about ACORN: “You can’t change the politicians, you need to change the direction, and ACORN is an organization that can change the direction of the country by pressing from the outside and I have no doubt ACORN will be making their voices heard regardless of who occupies 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.” I have contacted Sojourners to inquire into their working relationship with ACORN, including…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Strangely Dim

  • Drinking from the Social Justice Fire Hose

    Christa Countryman
    1 Feb 2010 | 6:49 am
    Let's face it-social justice issues are overwhelming, like trying to drink from a fire hose. Read more to find out how you might engage these issues without being overwhelmed.

  • The Haiti We Need to Know

    Lisa Rieck
    27 Jan 2010 | 12:07 pm
    Can too much be said about Haiti? She's like the quiet girl in school who nobody paid much attention to unless it served their own purposes . . .

  • A Prayer for Us as We Pray for Haiti

    Dave Zimmerman
    14 Jan 2010 | 6:57 am
    I call out for you in rage and desperation and hope and doubt and tender love.

  • Help for Haiti

    Dave Zimmerman
    13 Jan 2010 | 6:00 am
    While we're praying generally for the people affected by this earthquake, we find our prayers focused particularly on the people we know there, which I suppose is the nature of praying.

  • Isaiah 'Twas Foretold It

    Dave Zimmerman
    26 Dec 2009 | 6:11 am
    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from your friends at Strangely Dim! O Savior, Child of Mary, who felt our human woe,O Savior, King of glory, who dost our weakness know;Bring us at length we pray, to the bright courts...
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Tall Skinny Kiwi

  • Mountains of North Africa

    Andrew Jones
    6 Feb 2010 | 10:49 am
    Wow! Nearly two weeks without blogging. We are fine. We have been part of a convoy of 18 people from all over Europe, traveling through the mountains of Africa with our possessions on donkeys led by Berbers. Stories and photos to come when i find a wifi signal. Until then, prace.

  • Africa

    Andrew Jones
    26 Jan 2010 | 9:49 am
    Ok - I feel a blogging break coming on. We are driving through Africa and wifi will be a little scarce, I presume. I will do my best to keep up. Anyway, appreciate prayers for us during our journeys. Ta!

  • Redeemer City to City and Missional Stuff

    Andrew Jones
    26 Jan 2010 | 9:37 am
    Redeemer City to City is the new name and new look for Redeemer's Church Planting Center. Check out the new web site. What you may not know is that one of the many wonderful people that have featured on my blog for the last . . . shoot . . almost a decade . . . is the incredible and hairless Sasa Flek from Prague, Czech Republic. Sasa, who was the "scribe in our basement" when we lived in Prague has now completed his Bible translation into Czech and is setting up an apostolic base [if i can call it that] in Prague. And more to the point, Sasa is now officially connected to Redeemers family of…

  • Al Mohler Tops the Religion Blogs

    Andrew Jones
    24 Jan 2010 | 1:01 am
    Dr Albert Mohler is a big man on radio, behind the pulpit, in the classroom, in the biggest office of one of the biggest Seminaries in the world, and also on the blogosphere. In fact he has just topped the blogosphere with the leading religion blog according to Technorati rankings. I know this because I am running right behind him at number 2. Al Mohler deserves to be on top. He writes good content and a lot of people read it. Christianity Today called Al Mohler the “reigning intellectual of the evangelical movement in the U.S.” And of course a lot of people link to his content which is…

  • After Haiti: What to Say, Sing or Show in Church

    Andrew Jones
    23 Jan 2010 | 3:16 am
    Some of you are figuring out what to sing, show or speak about at church tomorrow, in light of the Haiti earthquake. Here are some resources. VIDEO Pray for Haiti is a video you can download and play at your church gathering on Sunday. Its free and they guy behind it is my old VJ friend Travis Reed. You might remember he and some friends started a fantastic resource company called Highway Video and then went on to do The Work of the People. He was the guy behind the video on "Please Dont Make Us Sing This Song" which a lot of churches used immediately after Hurricane Katrina. Check out this…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    The Lutheran

  • Open the Bible, find yourself

    31 Jan 2010 | 9:00 pm
    Moses was forbidden by the Lord from entering the Promised Land, but he was offered the consolation prize of giving a long farewell address. Moses said: "The Lord our God made a covenant with us at Horeb. Not with our ancestors did the Lord make this covenant, but with us, who are all of us here alive today" (Deuteronomy 5:2-3). The words that Moses proclaimed to the people were at once among the most obviously counterfactual words in Scripture and, at the same time, among Scripture's most poignantly true promises. The book of Deuteronomy is Moses' farewell speech to the…

  • Ministry of space

    31 Jan 2010 | 9:00 pm
    Church cleans out the loft, brings in the band.

  • Forgiveness: One Step at a Time

    31 Jan 2010 | 9:00 pm
    Forgiveness: One Step at a Time is a creative, constructive and illuminating resource by Joseph Sica on one of the major elements of the Christian faith. After 25 years of ministry and pastoral counseling, Sica is convinced that more than 90 percent of troubled relationships stem from an unwillingness or inability to forgive. This comes as no surprise considering the cultural support given to rage, revenge and payback in movies, novels and other forms of media.

  • Ports in the storm

    31 Jan 2010 | 9:00 pm
    In an age of piracy, ministry to seafarers offers advocacy and 'moments of grace'.

  • Meet 'Fast Eddie'

    31 Jan 2010 | 9:00 pm
    He'll give you cookies, communion and a $2 bill.
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    theologer

  • I'm learning

    Roger Mugs
    23 Jan 2010 | 4:58 pm
    My prayer life alone wont sustain me. I've known time in the word alone doesn't sustain me, but this is sort of new for me. My prayer life has been really quite nice lately, but I'm not getting anything from my time in the word... I'm slowly starving... and it's rough.On another note my PhD was knocked down to an MA locally. Turns out there is a law... yea... a law... that says a foreigners cannot do an MA and PhD tied together unless the course of study is medicine. Seeing as how I'm studying Christianity turns out I cant do it. I was pretty bummed. But you win some you lose some. An MA is…

  • The necessity of prayer in ministry.

    Roger Mugs
    1 Jan 2010 | 2:30 am
    I'm increasingly convinced that the secret to ministry is prayer and evangelism. But primarily prayer trumping all things because in prayer we are seeking the Lord and seeking his heart. We will be doing evangelism amongst other things and our ministry will begin to look more and more like God. We will daily be reminded of our dependence on him and that is success in ministry dependance on God in all things.

  • The devil and failing at what he does.

    Roger Mugs
    29 Dec 2009 | 4:05 pm
    "The devil has had so little success in persecution, that if I did notknow that he and his children, according to this verse, could not butpersecute, I should think he would count it his strength to sitstill." - George WhitefieldAwesome.p.s. the reference here is to the fall and the devil being bound tostrike at the heel of the seed.you can read more of this sermon here:http://hardwords.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/the-seed-of-the-woman-and-the-seed-of-the-serpent-the-promise-of-christ/(although the full text isn't at that link).

  • Light is sweet (Ecc. 11:7)

    Roger Mugs
    29 Nov 2009 | 4:52 am
    "Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun." - Ecclesiastes 11:7My wife says this should be my life verse. I'm obsessed with sunlight for my mental stability. Unfortunately we live in one of the grayest places on earth. Although we did just get permission next summer, and it's a mental stability move to a place with sunlight. It'll be good for the family.Anyhow, it's true. It's pleasant for the eyes to be reminded of the light that is a mere shadow of what will light the world to come. The sun is brilliant, but when we depend for light on the Son instead we will be blown…

  • The spirit praying through us (Romans 8:26)

    Roger Mugs
    22 Nov 2009 | 4:38 am
    "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." - Romans 8:26 Say what you will.I read 'tongues'.
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Think Christian

  • Quick Thought: Tim Tebow Super Bowl Ad

    Jerod Clark
    8 Feb 2010 | 12:40 pm
    Leading up to this year’s Super Bowl, there was some controversy about a pro-life ad from Focus on the Family.  The commercial featured Heisman Trophy Winner Tim Tebow and his mom Pam, who  talked about her decision not to have an abortion (without actually saying the word abortion).   Pro-choice groups criticized CBS for accepting the ad, which was the first “political” ad the network ever approved for the big game. So what did you think?  Was the ad effective?  Did it live up to the hype? (Reminder: Quick Thought comments should be short.  Maybe a few sentences but…

  • ‘Wings of Desire’ and God’s POV

    Josh Larsen
    8 Feb 2010 | 5:11 am
    God doesn’t make an appearance in “Wings of Desire,” a 1987 art film with angels that has been recently rereleased by Criterion on DVD, yet the movie still made me reconsider the way He might view the world. Maybe, just maybe, we occasionally entertain Him. Directed by German filmmaker Wim Wenders, “Wings of Desire” is set in Berlin not long before the fall of the Wall. In this drab, industrial city, a host of unseen angels silently pass among the citizens. Much of their watching is of an empathetic, consoling manner, which is how I usually imagine God views us. When a distraught…

  • Seeing Providence in the Chaos of Nature and Video Game Thieves

    Paul Vander Klay
    4 Feb 2010 | 6:23 am
    The recovery community has a saying, “expectations are preconceived resentments”. The angrier or safer people feel the freer they become to share their resentments and many of these resentments are against God. Usually these resentments are based upon some history of hurt. God’s providential governance of the universe appears overly haphazard and risky and we quickly complain that if we were given God’s power we could out perform his management choices. We are more than uncomfortable about God’s record of providential management and this leads to doubts about…

  • Where is Lost going?

    Todd Hertz
    2 Feb 2010 | 6:24 am
    After watching last season’s Lost finale a couple times, the opening conversation between Jacob and his unnamed nemesis have begun to remind me of the Book of Job. ThinkChristian blogger Jerod Clark wrote last year about how these figures seem like God (Jacob) and Satan (Man in Black). And when they vaguely reference a long-standing disagreement over humans, I am reminded of Satan’s conjecture regarding Job’s faith and God’s offer to allow him to test it. “You’re trying to prove me wrong,” says the Man in Black. “You are wrong,” says Jacob. In a…

  • Forgetting to Tell the Truth in Love

    Jerod Clark
    1 Feb 2010 | 5:28 am
    I’m a fairly blunt person.  If I’m asked a question, I answer it.  For the most part, I just say what I’m thinking. I’ve always thought this open book style fits the Christian lifestyle well.  It keeps me from lying.  If I hide things from other people, am I more abt to try to hide them from God?  (A ridiculous thought since God is all knowing.)  In a lot of ways, being open and honest is easier than being closed and untruthful. But as I was reading my daily devotional awhile back, I realized the easiness of saying what you’re thinking can have unintended consequences.  Rev.
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Bible Gateway's Verse of the Day

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:3

    Bible Gateway
    “[Thanksgiving and Prayer] We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.”
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Dan Kimball: Vintage Faith

  • First 2 days in S. Korea

    DanKimball
    7 Feb 2010 | 6:38 pm
    I am in Seoul, South Korea for a couple of days. Yesterday I spoke at Young Nak Presbyterian Church. That church is a very large and historical church in Seoul. They were extremely gracious to show me around and I...

  • Mark Oestreicher is a hero of youth ministry

    DanKimball
    27 Jan 2010 | 1:43 am
    I have been friend with Marko for... ten years I think...... something like that. Mark was president of Youth Specialties for many years. But Marko was in the area speaking at a youth conference and he drove into Santa Cruz...

  • Wheaton College and positive things about The Emerging Church

    DanKimball
    22 Jan 2010 | 12:05 pm
    Just got back from a really great time at Wheaton College. I was there for a 2 day event put on by the Christian Ethics Center. They called the event "The Emerging Church: What Do I Really Know?" I don't...

  • Origins update, heading to Wheaton College and what Marko thinks I will look like in 20 years

    DanKimball
    16 Jan 2010 | 3:56 pm
    We had a 2 day Origins planning meeting in Los Angeles that I just got back from last night. Launching what will be a global network is a fascinating experience. It may feel like it is taking a long time...

  • World Vision and Haiti

    DanKimball
    15 Jan 2010 | 12:32 pm
    Vintage Faith Church is directing our local church to support World Vision humanitarian relief efforts. Their website is here. They are posting regular updates on relief efforts happening there. I'm currently reading World Vision's president's book "A Hole In Our...
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Doorkeeper's Journal

  • No More Pretending...

    Craig
    20 Jan 2010 | 11:55 am
    Okay, we are into the New Year a couple weeks now. How are you doing with those resolutions? Did you make any this year, or just give up on even trying anymore? One of the things I am trying to keep focused on is being real. That's right...just be real. We are not expected to be perfect, but be real and let others see how we can face anything through the power of Jesus' name. With that thought in

  • All Things Really for Good???

    Craig
    6 Jan 2010 | 12:54 pm
    After the events of last week, which I have questioned continuously, I have been setting my mind on the verse notated above. Are you having issues come up in your life that just don't seem to make sense? Are there people getting the promotion you think you deserve? Is someone less qualified or passionate being exalted while you are being overlooked? Does your life and the circumstances

  • Thanksgiving Time...

    Craig
    25 Nov 2009 | 6:42 am
    Today, I want to take a few moments and reflect upon the things that I am most thankful for in my life. That includes my family, friends, church and many others! First off, I am thankful for a Savior that doesn’t ask for us to clean up to come into our lives. He is there with arms open wide, waiting for the sinner to see the need of an all-sufficient Savior. I am thankful for His forgiveness

  • So Routine...

    Craig
    13 Oct 2009 | 7:02 am
    Over the past two weeks, our Singles' Sunday School class has been working through the Chase the Goose study book by Mark Batterson. For more information, you can click here. This Sunday, we were talking about routines in our lives and whether or not they were just keeping us in a rut, or actually growing us as we seek to follow the Holy Spirit.One of the passages in the Bible that deals directly

  • Why Do I Fear???

    Craig
    14 Sep 2009 | 6:44 am
    I know I can't be the only one having to deal with issues of insecurity and fears at multiple times in these days. You know, we can also be assured that what we are facing, even the greatest of New and Old Testament saints have battled with as well. The fears that we allow to chew us up and spit us out were overwhelming for even David, who was called a man after God's own heart(Acts 13:22)...
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Life on Life

  • Manic Monday Minute

    8 Feb 2010 | 1:47 pm
    Manic Monday Minute is a serious mind-dump that will probably take you one minute to read. Here are some thoughts going through my head right now...This is the Manic Monday Minute...Another weekend... another winter blizzard. Not quite the 10 inches of snow this time around though...Last weekend I came down with cabin fever. This weekend I came down with the flu. By Saturday I was back on my feet... and decided to get out of town early. I'm in South Carolina gathering with youth workers. Find out more about that [here]Looking forward to eating at a restaurant I use to frequent when I lived in…

  • Why My Alma Mater Still Rocks

    8 Feb 2010 | 1:33 pm
    Last year I blogged about how my alma mater rocks. I still believe it does.They believe so much in their alumni and invest so much in their spiritual formation that each year they put together an all-expenses paid retreat for youth workers (which is this week!), complete with some quality time with each of the youth ministry professors. I've been looking forward to this retreat for months.The friendships, mentoring and spiritual investment that I've experienced at Columbia have been worth every penny! So this week I'm gathering with fellow youth workers in South Carolina to laugh, share and…

  • Helping Haiti Single

    6 Feb 2010 | 7:41 am
    Simon Cowell has organized a charity single to help Haiti. The single is REM's "Everybody Hurts" but with new voices. You can listen to it here, but you should buy it when it goes on sale tomorrow.Here are the celebs in the song and what they sing:Leona LewisWhen the day is long and the night, the night is yours alone,Rod StewartWhen you’re sure you’ve had enough of this life, well hang onMariah CareyDon’t let yourself go, ’cause everybody cries and everybody hurts sometimesCheryl ColeSometimes everything is wrong.MikaNow it’s time to sing alongMichael BubleWhen your day is night…

  • The Book of Eli

    5 Feb 2010 | 7:57 pm
    A few days ago I saw The Book of Eli in theaters. This is one of the best films I've seen in years! Here's a quick synopsis: Eli (Denzel Washington) has been on a journey for 30 years walking westward after a cataclysmic war and "the big Flash" turned the world into a wasteland. Eli has in his possession the only remaining copy of "the Book" and must protect it and ultimately deliver it to its final destination. This story is about Eli's journey -- and the Book that he believes that is humanity's only hope for its future. This movie had everything in it - original storyline, likeable…

  • Red Skelton on The Pledge of Allegiance

    3 Feb 2010 | 10:18 pm
    I watched this video recently of Red Skelton reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. This great communicator speaks to the meaning behind the words in the pledge. Even though this piece was filmed in the 60's, its timely for our nation today. How often have you heard the pledge or even recited it and blown right past the very meaning behind the words? Thanks Red! May we remember this every time we hear or recite those words or see the Red, White and Blue. RSS Subscribers: there is video [here](It's Theme Thursday. Visit my friends [here])
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Deep Thoughts by Gman

  • Church Snow Policy!

    5 Feb 2010 | 9:11 pm
    This is getting ridiculous. The Canadian in me is loving this snow, but why on the weekends! Driving the minister in me crazy!Here's our snow plan at CCHMD: we don't cancel church. Even if it's the worst storm in history! We're gonna have church no matter the snow total. Obviously, we don't want anybody to endanger themselves. But we're planning on holding services unless the roads are closed.Stay tuned and spread the word. Check our Facebook Fan page for updates (http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Church-of-Christ-at-Hagerstown/86047452244?ref=ts ) or email for…

  • Why Church?

    5 Feb 2010 | 7:36 pm
    This week's sermon focuses on why do we have church? What is the Church etc.We look at that we are to be devoted to:I. The Apostle's Teaching.II. Fellowship.III. The Breaking of Bread.and toIV. Prayer.http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO

  • The Cons of Internet Church!

    5 Feb 2010 | 6:04 pm
    Aaron Saufley has had a great bunch of blog posts lately on the new trend of Internet Churches.I think he makes some good points about the Pros and Cons. I like the idea of ministering to the shut-in, and those that might not be able to make church but much like some TV Evangelism I think Internet Church can be used for a copout.Here are some reasons I have for not using Internet Church.I. It loses community. Sure, you can build some community online but where's the accountability?II. It can make us lazy. We can depend on those who do the "Internet Church" to put ona good show, to entertain…

  • Respect for the Church.

    5 Feb 2010 | 7:02 am
    In a recent letter to the editor, a woman stated the disrespect young people had for the flag by not removing their hats during the national anthem.In her letter, she stated: "Most Americans know that behind this red, white, and blue piece of material that hangs on the wall there is blood and great sacrifice. Old Glory is the symbol of our unity, our power. It is up to the parents and teachers to teach our young people about the men and women who went before this."An analogy can be drawn from this.If blood and great sacrifice were given for the flag, how about the Church? Christ is our…

  • Church Leaders Who think They have it all Figured out!

    5 Feb 2010 | 6:43 am
    I'm so surprised at the arrogance and pride of Certain Church leaders. Really I am.In just the last week, I've gotten the following messages (Just from one)I. You Can Grow Your Church and overcoming the 3 barriers to do it.II. You've been lied to. Here is a quote: "I'm sick and tired of hearing everyone tell me why right now is such a bad season for the local church." Maybe he should tell that to the churches that I know of because of budget had to let go of several youthworkers I know just this past week. Or had we had to cut $40 000 from our budget or ... I know he is trying to encourage…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    TechPastor.net

  • Bringing Hope to Haiti

    frank
    25 Jan 2010 | 1:55 pm
    Haiti is among the poorest nations in the world and the poorest nation in the western hemisphere.  Before the earthquake the average Haitian would live on less than 2-3 dollars per day.  One missionary recently said this on twitter, “The worst effects are emotional… no smiles on the street and a sense of despair.” Haiti needs hope.  Yes, as Christians we need to help with disaster relief, we need to lead our nation and the world in providing water, food, and medical care but we also need to share Jesus.  Haiti needs hope and that is where organizations like Faith Comes…

  • Help for Haiti

    frank
    16 Jan 2010 | 8:39 pm
    Haiti is in the thoughts and prayers of many at this time.  However for some like my friend Toussaint, it is heartbreak, worry, and intense feelings for his family, country and his people. He just recently received word that his grandmother is ok and you can view his story by clicking on the video link below: It was just a month ago when Toussaint and I sat down for coffee to discuss is passions for his homeland and how he could partner with CCV and our desires to do something for this nation in need.  Now the need to aid Haiti is greater than ever.  Fortunately we’ve connected with…

  • Openness vs Intimacy in Small Groups

    frank
    15 Jan 2010 | 1:30 pm
    In every small group there should always be a tension felt on the topic of openness and intimacy. Openness would mean that the group is inviting others to be a part of it. Intimacy defined as deep, lasting relationships where spiritual transformation takes place. Bill Donahue in his book, Walking the Small Group Tightrope: Meeting the Challenges Every Group Faces, explains this tension well, “Suggesting open groups is where tension begins, because the need for openness assumes the existence of one end of the continuum – a willingness to welcome new members into the group. If groups…

  • What Was Pat Robertson Thinking?

    frank
    13 Jan 2010 | 5:29 pm
    If you haven’t seen Pat Robertson’s comments you can view them in the video below.  He actually says the people of Haiti are cursed because of a group that made a deal with the devil.  Why can’t Christian leaders simply respond with compassion instead of making careless statements? Thank God for others like Donald Miller that put things in perspective.  After stewing in frustration all afternoon I read his blog post (you can find the original here) and I’ve re-posted it here for your convenience.  Back in the day, the comment Pat Robertsonmade today would have…

  • Is God Mac Or PC?

    frank
    12 Jan 2010 | 9:53 am
    One of my favorite blogs on the web continues to be Stuff Christian’s Like.  Jon just continues to entertain me in a unique way as he comments on Christian culture and how silly we are at times.  One battle I continue to fight in the office is the whole Mac vs PC thing and Jon recently posted this list to help us sort it out.  I couldn’t help but laugh my way through as I read… Is God Mac or PC? That is, up in heaven, is he cranking away on a Mac or a PC? Does he love the iPhone or is he currently listening to Michael W. Smith’s greatest hits on a Zune? Does he have a…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Digging the Word

  • Are You Ready?

    8 Feb 2010 | 6:16 am
    Matthew 24:36-44  "However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son Himself. Only the Father knows. 37 "When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah's day. 38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn't realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. 40 "Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the…

  • God's Awesome Instructions

    7 Feb 2010 | 5:12 am
    Psalms 19:7-14 The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living. 9 Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair. 10 They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. 11 They are a warning to Your servant, a great reward for those who obey them. 12 How can I know all…

  • The Lord’s Delight

    5 Feb 2010 | 9:31 am
    Psalm 18:19 He led me to a place of safety; He rescued me because He delights in me.Psalms 37:23 The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.Proverbs 11:20 The LORD detests people with crooked hearts, but He delights in those with integrity.Wow! Look at that guy! What an awesome thought that the Lord could look at me and be delighted! Most of us probably think that he is looking at us and frowning, it doesn't have to be that way, David said that God delighted in him.If I live with integrity and have a Godly character then he can look at me and instead…

  • What Do You Think?

    3 Feb 2010 | 4:09 am
    Matthew 22:41-46 Then, surrounded by the Pharisees, Jesus asked them a question: 42 "What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is He?" They replied, "He is the son of David." 43 Jesus responded, "Then why does David, speaking under the inspiration of the Spirit, call the Messiah 'my Lord'? For David said, 44 'The LORD said to my Lord, Sit in the place of honor at My right hand until I humble Your enemies beneath Your feet.' 45 Since David called the Messiah 'my Lord,' how can the Messiah be his son?" 46 No one could answer Him. And after that, no one dared to ask Him any more…

  • Trust and Obey

    2 Feb 2010 | 6:44 am
    Exodus 16:1-4 Then the whole community of Israel set out from Elim and journeyed into the wilderness of Sin, between Elim and Mount Sinai. They arrived there on the fifteenth day of the second month, one month after leaving the land of Egypt. 2 There, too, the whole community of Israel complained about Moses and Aaron. 3 "If only the LORD had killed us back in Egypt," they moaned. "There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death." 4 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Look, I'm going to rain down…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Reflections

  • Trivia Wednesday #159: When Feb. 14 declared Valentine's Day

    3 Feb 2010 | 4:40 am
    answer #158 - True. (True or False - Someone was granted a patent for a new method of swinging a swing?)question #159 - Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine's Day around what year?A. 250 ADB. 713 ADC. 498 AD--------------This weekly trivia is provided for use within your youth ministry. You can use this random trivia in many ways: use it to start a conversation with a student, add it to your introduction for your lesson or message, include it in your next newsletter or email, or just randomly insert it into your daily conversations. No matter how you decide to use it, I hope this…

  • Trivia Wednesday #158: new method of swinging patent?

    27 Jan 2010 | 4:38 am
    answer #157 - The first patent board included Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmond Randolph. (Who was the first patent board?)question #158 - True or False - Someone was granted a patent for a new method of swinging a swing? ------------This weekly trivia is provided for use within your youth ministry. You can use this random trivia in many ways: use it to start a conversation with a student, add it to your introduction for your lesson or message, include it in your next newsletter or email, or just randomly insert it into your daily conversations. No matter how you decide to use it, I…

  • Trivia Wednesday #157: first patent board

    20 Jan 2010 | 4:37 am
    answer #156 - The youngest person to be granted a patent is a four-year-old girl from Houston, Texas, for an aid for grasping round knobs. (Who is the youngest person to have a patent?)question #157 - Who was the first patent board?--------This weekly trivia is provided for use within your youth ministry. You can use this random trivia in many ways: use it to start a conversation with a student, add it to your introduction for your lesson or message, include it in your next newsletter or email, or just randomly insert it into your daily conversations. No matter how you decide to use it, I…

  • Trivia Wednesday #156: yongest person granted a patent

    13 Jan 2010 | 4:35 am
    answer #155 - The first U.S. patent was granted in 1790 to Samuel Hopkins of Philadelphia for "making pot and pearl ashes"-a cleaning formula used in soapmaking. (What was the first patent?)question #156 - Who is the youngest person to have a patent?---------This weekly trivia is provided for use within your youth ministry. You can use this random trivia in many ways: use it to start a conversation with a student, add it to your introduction for your lesson or message, include it in your next newsletter or email, or just randomly insert it into your daily conversations. No matter how you…

  • Using the Super Bowl within your Youth Ministry

    12 Jan 2010 | 4:57 am
    (I posted these ideas last year and over the last few weeks this post has been getting a lot of traffic from searches. So I thought I would repost my 5 tips on using the Super Bowl in your youth ministry.)The Super Bowl is less than a month away (2.7.10) and we do not know who will be playing. But for most youth ministries, one thing is true - a lot of your students will be talking about it. This can mean the potential to connect with a greater number of students. There are several things you can do within your youth ministry to connect to the Super Bowl "hype." Take one or more of these…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Human3rror

  • A New Kind of Language

    John
    8 Feb 2010 | 5:31 pm
    I’m scared about the language that my daughter is going to learn to speak, new forms and all.Is that typical? Does every parent have this fear?Ugh.

  • Real Gadgets

    John
    6 Feb 2010 | 9:22 am
    Today I feel like this. I’ve got tons of stuff coming out of me these days. But I feel the most focused that I’ve ever been and all the credit really has to go to my wife.One of the things that we’re concentrating on this year as a family is focus. My wife actually felt this tug in her heart early last month and we’ve been fighting toward it ever since. My counselor has been mentioning the same thing (and pretty much the rest of the world).I think I got it Lord. I got the *hint*.Or, at least, I’m starting to. One of the biggest challenges that I face daily is the…

  • Husband Fail Friday

    John
    5 Feb 2010 | 12:51 am
    It’s Friday! Time for another Husband Fail!This is your opportunity to share silly stories of how your husband pretty much failed you this past week!Or, if you want to be honest (Mr. Husband) then go ahead and admit what you did and how it was so lame of you to do whatever you did before your wife shows up and does it for you!Please try not to take yourself (or this post) too seriously…Me First:This past week was a week of learning what self-control really means. Let’s say I ‘practiced’ a lot.… Success, not so sure.

  • Caption Please.

    John
    4 Feb 2010 | 12:50 pm

  • All Paid Wordpress Themes are Now Free!

    John
    3 Feb 2010 | 12:02 pm
    With the advent of the new Standard Wordpress Theme I’m officially releasing all previous paid themes here for free, except WPPhotographer Theme which is now an additional 50% off.Whoa.And that’s not all, anyone who’s purchased any theme from me in the past automatically gets a free copy of the new Standard Theme! Please just email me with a copy of your receipt of purchase and I’ll send you a copy!Word up. Free stuff rocks.
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    KRELLFISH

  • Pure Pleasure

    Audra Krell
    3 Feb 2010 | 1:12 pm
    Have you ever been asked these questions? How can you justify a $4.00 coffee when people in Africa are starving? Should you really buy that nice of a car when you could give the money to the poor? Do think you should go to the movies, concert or the game; isn't your time better spent volunteering somewhere? Do you need the latest computer when you're lucky to have one at all? I didn't know you drink, aren't you a Christian? Maybe others haven't asked questions like these, but maybe you ask yourself and live with guilt every time you experience something pleasurable.If…

  • Tooch

    Audra Krell
    2 Feb 2010 | 2:36 pm
    Photo courtesy of iStockphoto Apparently this is a place in Scotland pronounced "tooch." In English it's simply pronounced tough. Wouldn't it be great if we came to a crossroads and had the ability to choose if we'd follow the tough path or take easy street?Obviously we don't have the choice, but we do have the ability to choose.So as hard as it is somedays, I figure I'm already heading toward tough, so I might as well look for the good along the way. It wouldn't hurt anything to enjoy myself a little bit, but most of all, it would be great if I…

  • Shopping Cart Abandonment

    Audra Krell
    28 Jan 2010 | 8:41 pm
    So as I was researching this post, I came across an article on why users abandon shopping carts. Excited, I clicked on it. As pictures of upside down shiny metal carts behind Safeway and other carts abandoned in strange places filled my head, I really wanted to know the psychology behind a shopping cart abandoner. Are they people who get a thrill off stealing the cart but then cannot get it up their apartment stairs? Do they not have room for it in their home? Do people drive the cart way out in the desert,dump it in a dried riverbed and see how long it takes to find it's way back to the…

  • What's Yours?

    Audra Krell
    25 Jan 2010 | 7:35 pm
    Jean Paul Gaultier Comes to Target: Stores to Undergo Major Facelift - DailyFinance.So the latest to go under the knife is Target. They're having major work done; including placing implants in the beauty section, rolling out a new shoe department, enhancing the video game department, injecting the home improvement section and bringing in temporary store beauty aids. I'm sure the whole thing began in Scottsdale, AZ, home of plastic surgery.I ask you though, what is your target this year? What are you going to implant, enhance, inject or improve?Actually this has made me think about what…

  • What I Feel

    Audra Krell
    21 Jan 2010 | 7:46 pm
    So much thought centers not on feelings, but on choice actions. For example, even when we don't "feel" like it, we are to respect others, love unconditionally,etc. I know if we wait for feelings to always be there, we won't do much.Today however, I was encouraged by the way I feel. The past three months have taught me about things in the medical field. I've learned about lots that I wish I had never heard of. Wry neck, Post Traumatic Memory Loss, Post Concussive Syndrome, the difference between a Neuroradiologist and a Neurologist and that CT stands for computed…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Paper Bridges

  • You can’t make this stuff up

    Monica Brand
    1 Feb 2010 | 9:13 am
    Played the Book Game on Facebook the other day. If you spend any amount of time goofing off in online circles, then you probably know how it goes. Grab the nearest book, no cheating going to dig out a title that you know will be good or make you look smarter,  open to Page 56. Count down to Sentence No. 5. Now the fun part: broadcast that sentence on your profile (Facebook, Twitter, where ever you normally express your thoughts.) Finish by laughing at all the random goofiness or wisdom coming from an author’s page.  I imagine there has been a lot of stupid sentences shared due to the…

  • For you Shack fans

    Monica Brand
    29 Jan 2010 | 8:12 pm
    From the Christian Post: The publishing world sees very few books reach blockbuster status, but William Paul Young’s The Shack has now exceeded even that. The book, originally self-published by Young and two friends, has now sold more than 10 million copies and has been translated into over thirty languages. It is now one of the best-selling paperback books of all time, and its readers are enthusiastic. Follow the link to read the rest of the article. To date, it’s the best I’ve seen regarding the church’s (unfortunate) fondness for  Young’s book. For you Shack…

  • Committed to reasoning

    Monica Brand
    28 Jan 2010 | 7:47 pm
    From Elizabeth Gilbert’s Committed (A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage): This entire book — every single page of it — has been an effort to search through the complex history of Western marriage until I could find some small place of comfort in there for myself. Such comfort is not necessarily always an easy thing to find. And search she does. I like this book. I don’t agree with everything she says, but like Eat, Pray, Love, her previous book, I take in the meat and spit out the bones. Fortunately, not much spitting here. Here is what I enjoyed about Committed: 1.

  • Insert witty title here

    Monica Brand
    26 Jan 2010 | 10:58 am
    I haven’t participated in the “Nightstand” Mr. Linky at 5 Minutes for Books in quite awhile. Why? Honestly I have no idea. Probably something called Life. So I jump back into the fun with what I currently have in my reading pile (you know, that book stack tower that never seems to end due to library and bookstore trips, friends lending books, and books given as presents. Fun, fun.) Without further delay: My Pile of Books Miss Read: Village School by Dora Jessie Saint. I opened to Page One this morning. Too early to comment other than to say, I’ve heard lots of good…

  • Elizabeth Gilbert is brilliant!

    Monica Brand
    25 Jan 2010 | 8:10 pm
    Elizabeth Gilbert lived in amazing places. Italy! India! Indonesia! And where does she choose to set up housekeeping with her new hubby ? Care to take a guess? New Jersey. Ha. Take that nay-sayers. Not only is Gilbert planted in my Garden State, but she’s right here in my part of the Delaware Valley. We’re practically neighbors. I could bump into her at the IGA or the coffee shop or she might come to my church. (Errr. She’s probably not coming to church) Hey, how cool is it that after exploring an exotic place like Southeast Asia, it’s my unassuming little patch of…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Thinking Out Loud

  • Once Again, A Loss of Trust

    paulthinkingoutloud
    8 Feb 2010 | 10:27 pm
    A military commander from Canadian Forces Base Trenton in eastern Ontario has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of two women. Col. Russell Williams, 46, of Tweed, the top commander at 8 wing CFB Trenton, was arrested Sunday in Ottawa, Ontario Provincial Police Det.-Insp. Chris Nicholas said at a news conference Monday. Williams has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jessica Lloyd, 27, whose body was found Monday off Cary Road in the municipality of Tweed. Lloyd had been missing since Jan. 28 from her home outside Tweed, about 30 kilometres…

  • Yichud

    paulthinkingoutloud
    8 Feb 2010 | 6:33 am
    Okay, so first of all, if you’ve landed here from a Google blog search or a WordPress tag, you need to know that I’m not Jewish.   This is actually a Christian blog, and up until about an hour ago I’d never heard the word Yichud before.   Since then, I’ve been reading various internet articles, and while I’m not an expert, let me say to any Jewish readers who land here, I’m impressed with the concept. The word and I crossed paths in a stage show review published Thursday  in The Toronto Star.     Longtime theatre critic Richard Ouzounian was…

  • Move Your Money

    paulthinkingoutloud
    7 Feb 2010 | 5:16 am
    Move Your Money. It’s a simple, three word slogan that expresses the anger a lot of people in the United States feel right now towards their six largest banking organizations.  The result is a movement that started with an editorial from the founder of Huffington Post, is seeing both individuals and branches of municipal and state governments taking their money out of the large banks and “bringing it home ” to locally owned banks and credit unions.  [Check out this 4-minute promotional video on YouTube.] Toward the end of the week, the campaign was gaining momentum across…

  • When You Say “Church” Do You Mean Ecclesia Docens or Ecclesia Audiens?

    paulthinkingoutloud
    6 Feb 2010 | 4:14 pm
    From the days of Cyprian down to the Reformation the essence of the church was sought ever increasingly in its external visible organization.   The Church Fathers conceived of the catholic Church as comprehending all true branches of The Church of Christ, and as bound together in an external and visible unity, which had its unifying bond in the college of bishops.  The conception of the Church as an external organization became more prominent as time went on.  There was an ever growing emphasis on the hierarchical organization of it, and the capstone was added with the institution of the…

  • The Camp Monk Meal: Variant

    paulthinkingoutloud
    5 Feb 2010 | 3:30 pm
    At a couple of the Christian summer camps I’ve worked at we often did a variant on the classic monk meal.   In the original version, you’re trying to replicate a monastery where the monks have taken a vow of silence.   At about day four of a residential camp experience, there isn’t a single counselor who isn’t glad to see the monk meal on the schedule. The variant doesn’t require silence.   You simply aren’t allowed to ask for anything.  You can’t say, “Pass the ketchup;” or anything like that, though with some camps’ food,…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Just A Thought

  • 5 Questions with Gary Thomas

    8 Feb 2010 | 7:00 am
    Welcome to 5 Questions With..... Today's guest is Gary Thomas. Gary Thomas is a writer and founder of the Center for Evangelical Spirituality. He is the author of several books including Sacred Marriage, Sacred Pathways, Holy Available, Sacred Parenting, and the Gold Medallion Award-winning Authentic Faith. Gary speaks at approximately 50 churches, denominational meetings and ministry

  • Sacred Marriage - The Event

    7 Feb 2010 | 7:00 am
    When I 1st saw the signs around town, back in October, I looked with interest at the premise: A weekend marriage event with Gary Thomas, author of Scared Marriage.A local congregation, Telkwa CRC, was bringing Gary up for a Sacred Marriage event and my wife and I were stoked. It sounded awesome and we wanted all of our friends and acquaintances to check it out.We went with some friends and Sarah

  • New Look

    6 Feb 2010 | 12:19 pm
    So today I changed the blog style/layout. It was 2 years ago I launched this little blog with the encouragement of my wife and a few friends. I thought I would acknowledge the 2nd birthday of the blog by making some cosmetic changes.The one thing that won't change is the content. Devotionals, ministry links, interviews; it's all still here. As well as a passion for Jesus Christ. I am

  • Sacred Marriage - The Book

    6 Feb 2010 | 7:00 am
    Once in a while a book comes along that not only speaks to you, but it says exactly what you would say if you could articulate it as well as the author did.Sacred Marriage is that kind of book. The book starts with the question:What if God designed marriage to make us holy instead of happy?Yes it's that kind of book. My wife and I found that this book took everything you've ever read in a

  • Struggles

    4 Feb 2010 | 7:56 am
    I want to take a moment to highlight Setting Captives Free. This ministry seeks to help those struggling with addictions like porn, overeating, etc via Bible studies and online mentoring. You will also find links to internet filters and a host of other resources. Setting Captives Free is a non-denominational ministry which teaches the biblical principles of freedom in Jesus Christ.I am high on
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    InsideWork

  • Your Calendar as a Moral Document

    InsideWork
    9 Feb 2010 | 12:01 am
    Jim Wallis, author of Rediscovering Values: On Wall Street, Main Street, and Your Street—A Moral Compass for the New Economy was interviewed by McKinsey Publishing’s Rik Kirkland. Here is the video, courtesy of McKinsey Quarterly: At this year’s World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland, the topic of corporate ethics and personal values will take on marquee status as one of the six highlighted pillars of the 2010 meeting. Reverend Jim Wallis—author, CEO of the social-justice organization Sojourners, and Davos veteran—has helped drive the change that moved the issue of values…

  • 6: Finish Strong

    Dan Wooldridge
    8 Feb 2010 | 12:30 am
    Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot The Third Chapter – Passion, Risk, and Adventure in the 25 Years After 50 , (p. 144), Sarah Crichton Books, 2009 We must develop a compelling vision of later life, one that does not assume a trajectory of decline after fifty but recognizes this as a time of potential change, growth, and new learning, a time when our “courage gives us hope.” Changes in life expectancy do not merely mean years added to the end, but an extension of the years of healthy and productive living. II Timothy 4:6-7 The New International Version For I am already being poured out…

  • A Question for the Information Age

    Dan Wooldridge
    8 Feb 2010 | 12:01 am
    “Understanding becomes wisdom when informed by purpose, ethics, principle, memory of the past, and projection into the future…The fundamental characteristics at the opposite ends of this spectrum are very different. Data, on one end of the spectrum, is separable, objective, linear, mechanistic, and abundant. Wisdom, on the other end of the spectrum, is holistic, subjective, spiritual, conceptual, creative, and scarce.” “We are now at a point in time when the ability to receive, utilize, store, transform, and transmit data – the lowest cognitive form – has expanded…

  • Are CEOs Underchallenged?

    Jim Hancock
    5 Feb 2010 | 12:01 am
    Whole Foods CEO John Mackey wrote about executive pay in the US for Harvard Business Review a few months ago, noting that, “back in 1965 the ratio between CEO pay and average company pay was 24 to 1. By 1980 the ratio had increased to 40 to 1. The ratio tended to increase every year, and in 2000 it had increased to 300 to 1.” Is it just me or is 300:1 a startling ratio in a classless society? Mackey continued, ”Surely the market demand for good CEOs is no greater today than it was 45 years ago or 25 years ago. Are CEOs today really worth that much more than their…

  • Changing the Rules

    Allan Lunsford
    4 Feb 2010 | 12:01 am
    Harvard Law’s Elizabeth Warren has been beating this drum for a while now. Since the early 1980s, the credit industry has rewritten the rules of lending to families. Congress has turned the industry loose to charge whatever it can get and to bury tricks and traps throughout credit agreements. Credit-card contracts that were less than a page long in the early 1980s now number 30 or more pages of small-print legalese. In the details, credit-card companies lend money at one rate, but retain the right to change the interest rate after the money has been borrowed—a practice once considered…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Take Root and Write

  • Economic Survival Skills

    Meredith Curtis
    8 Feb 2010 | 10:40 pm
    If we were forced to live off the land, certain skills would help us survive. Starting a fire to keep warm, using plants for food and medicine, catching food to eat, purifying water for drinking, and building a shelter would all help us live longer in primitive conditions.What about economic survival skills? Are there things that you can do to survive rough economic times?Start a Fire to Keep Warm Don't let your heart grow cold. God's Word is still true and so are His promises. Just because we are in a recession doesn't mean that biblical principles stop working. Continue to…

  • A Chain of Events

    Pam Butler
    8 Feb 2010 | 10:30 pm
    No one within King David's family or community could have imagined the spiritual chain of events surrounding a shepherd boy predestined to become a great and powerful King. God's purpose for David, the shepherd boy, was to become David, the king; honored as a mighty warrior. Despite being King David, he still made some terrible decisions. So, why did God pick David? . . . because David had a heart of integrity.Pondering:I have good intentions. However, at times determining the purpose of a series of painful events seems pointless. We think our lives are not turning out as expected.

  • Be Evergreen

    Shonda Savage-Whitworth
    8 Feb 2010 | 10:25 pm
    During the barren winter, certain trees remain green. Seeing the green during the winter is encouraging and beautiful. I truly love seeing snow-capped pines in the mountains. I admire God’s creation because He made some trees to have leaves in seasons, but others were created to be evergreen. When studying the Scriptures, I find it interesting that often God uses metaphors that compare His people to trees. Even more fascinating is that most of the trees referred to in Scriptures are evergreen trees. Like an evergreen tree in the winter time brings hope of life when all plants look depleted,…

  • Well Done

    Lindy Abbott
    7 Feb 2010 | 9:30 pm
    Dear Child, I don't judge the way the world does. I look into the heart of each and see who is truly surrendered to live their life under My Lordship. Some will choose to live life selfishly doing what they want, seeking to satisfy their desires or to be "big" in the eyes of others. Dear Child, I want you to live to the fullest. When you live sacrificially, giving your will to Me, you join Me in kingdom work. Trust Me,  I will produce the increase. You might not be able to see the growth produced in the hearts of others as you serve Me, but in trusting Me, leave the effect of…

  • Choosing To Be Disciplined Everyday

    Patricia Warren
    7 Feb 2010 | 9:20 pm
    "The road to life is a disciplined life; ignore correction and you're lost for good." (Proverbs 10:17 MSG) I am an emotional eater. I am also a bored and thoughtless eater. When I am sad, I choose foods high in carbohydrates like chocolate, potato chips, and ice cream. When I watch TV or need other entertainment, I choose cheese and crackers, popcorn, and more chocolate.There is nothing wrong with any of these foods in and of themselves. Eaten in small portions once in a while they are fine.Failing To Be Disciplined Cold weather and family issues gave me a one-two punch that…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Bible Prophecy- The Rapture

  • The Holy Bible King James Version (KJV) and New Bible Versions

    30 Jan 2010 | 9:37 pm
    Email Subscribers: Video has been posted! Visit the blog (Click Here) To see the video, and more information...I performed some bible research with a computer bible search (online bible) to see if the Powerful name JEHOVAH, shows up in the new bible versions?The New King James Version-NKJV, The New International Version- NIV, New American Standard Version- NASV, New Living Translation- NLT, The Message, Amplified Bible etc. The new bible versions have removed the Powerful name of the Lord JEHOVAH! It’s not in the new bible versions, and I encourage (recommend) The Holy Bible King James…

  • Read Bible Prophecy Blogs Posted

    11 Jul 2009 | 11:20 pm
    Please make some special time to read all the Bible Prophecy- Rapture Messages...(Press The Links)One Must Fear The LORDWhen One Runneth, One Should Not Look Back.End Times Rapture NewspaperHearing The Word of God Out LoudLamps Lit With OILBe Rapture ReadyThe Bride of Christ Book of IsaiahRemember Lots WifeThe Living God is a SPIRITBe Sober, and WatchWATCHING With a Confident ExpectationWatching for our Blessed HopeWait For The LordTick tock, Time is moving faster on the clockLove Jesus Christ more than anythingThe LORD Is My ShepherdRapture PoemThe Rapture MiracleIn the World, but Not of the…

  • One Must Fear The LORD

    11 Jul 2009 | 10:56 pm
    One must Love Jesus Christ with all their heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37-38, and Mark 12:30One must Fear the LORD...Psalm 2:11Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.Psalm 25:14The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.Psalm 33:8Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.Psalm 33:18Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;Psalm 34:7The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him,…

  • When One Runneth, One Should Not Look Back.

    11 Jul 2009 | 6:08 pm
    When One Runneth, One Should Not Look Back...Isaiah 43:18Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.Luke 17:32Remember Lot's wife.2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new.Philippians 3:13Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended. but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.In times like these, Sharing the Gospel, and approaching Rapture is critically important.We are like long distance…

  • End Times Rapture Newspaper

    9 May 2009 | 2:56 pm
    The Last News, Tomorrows Headlines Today...The following end times rapture-left behind newspaper articles titled "The Last News, Tomorrows Headlines Today" Was authored by David Wilkerson who also started the original Teen Challenge Ministry...We encourage You to purchase, and distribute this insightful christian rapture newspaper with friends, Family, and people everywhere (Plant Some Seeds Today)Those who are called to share this end times newspaper will see, and understand it's very effective, and appears larger than the samples shared. The last news newspaper actually looks like an…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Eric Bryant - Blog

  • Mark Batterson Teleseminar Tomorrow (2/9)!

    Eric Bryant
    8 Feb 2010 | 8:30 am
    Tuesday, February 9th at 1:00pm Pacific (4:00pm Eastern) Guest: Mark Batterson Sign Up Here! Mark is the author of several books including, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Wild Goose Chase, and his latest… Primal. Mark also serves as the Lead Pastor of National Community Church in Washington, DC. is on the creative team of the Origins Project. Keep your eyes out for my next newsletter to win a copy of Mark’s newest book, Primal!To sign up for my newsletter, send me an email at eric@mosaic.org with “Newsletter” as the subject. Listen to previous Conference Calls here.

  • The Breathe Booklet

    Eric Bryant
    7 Feb 2010 | 8:39 am
    Some of our leaders at Mosaic created this beautiful and insightful devotional guide to help breathe life into those who go through it.  Enjoy!

  • “Casket” Cast and Crew Revealed

    Eric Bryant
    6 Feb 2010 | 12:43 pm
    I haven’t been this excited about a Super Bowl since the Seahawks were playing in it a few years ago!  One day until we get to see whether our friends’ Doritos commercial “Casket” makes it on the air! Doritos insisted that only two people were mentioned in all of the press releases and media interviews.  They kept the focus on the executive producer (Erwin McManus) and the director (Kevin T. Willson), but as soon as the voting timeframe ended, Erwin and Kevin changed the website to make sure the world knew the names of all of the amazing people who helped create…

  • Pros & Cons of Life in a Hospital

    Eric Bryant
    5 Feb 2010 | 9:15 am
    Thanks for all of your prayers and kind words during this back surgery adventure. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of my experience so far: Pros: Incredibly skilled nurses, anesthesiologist, & neurosurgeon have me feeling better already. The pain in my leg is gone! In the pre-op, a nurse was conducting a bunch of tests (blood pressure, temperature, etc.), told me I have great nostrils when swabbing my nose. Debbie got to stay with me while we were waiting for the surgery since our neighbors/friends Gary & Andi watched the kids. Nurses and Physical therapist have…

  • My Back Surgery

    Eric Bryant
    4 Feb 2010 | 8:31 am
    Today, I am scheduled to have back surgery.  Appreciate the prayers! On Dec. 31st I ended up going to the E.R. with what turned out to be sciatica caused by a herniated disk. I have been working from ever since.  Last week I went to the neurosurgeon hoping to receive an epidural shot which would decrease the inflammation causing the pinched nerve. Unfortunately, the herniated disk was more severe than I realized.  The herniation is 15mm long and 13mm wide.  Some have surgery with a herniation of 5mm, so this is really the only way to go. Ironically, I think the herniation occurred from…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    theoquest

  • Come and See. Come and Listen.

    5 Feb 2010 | 2:26 pm
    "Tell the world how glorious He is.""Say to God, 'How awesome are your deeds!'""Come and see what our God has done...""Come and listen... and I will tell you what he did for me."These phrases, lifted out of Psalm 66 are resonating with me right now. I've been making more of an effort to meet with God in Scripture lately and this is what I read earlier today. I don't want to just read to prepare for the next lesson or to check a passage off an annual checklist, but rather, to continue a process of transformation that God began in me years ago.As I spend more time reading the Bible (intent…

  • Here to Serve

    3 Feb 2010 | 9:40 am
    A friend from college has recently asked "Are you serving the church or using the church?" A second friend replied with another good question: "Is the church serving you or using you?" Two questions rolling out of very different beds of experience and concern... But both these questions made me wonder (I like to wonder):Should I be here to serve the church, or should the church be here to serve me?I have to admit, I get really frustrated with the whole "this church isn't meeting my needs so I'm going to take my tithe check somewhere where they'll listen" mentality. I've seen this line of…

  • Thanks for Helping Us Help Haiti

    29 Jan 2010 | 2:39 pm
    The benefit concert for Northwest Haiti Christian Mission with Remedy Drive was a blast. It started with an email listing a few open dates for the band and fell together more quickly than I could have imagined. That seems to be the trend with the whole experience.I knew there'd be a bit of a 'built in' crowd because we were doing it on Wednesday night instead of our regular worship time with the students.  I hoped to convince a couple other youth leaders to bring their groups as well, but wasn't sure - we churches aren't always the most prone to changing plans at the last minute. As it…

  • Help Us Help Haiti

    25 Jan 2010 | 4:00 pm
    I'm pretty excited about the opportunity to host Remedy Drive this Wednesday night.  I like the band, but more than that, I'm excited about the way people are coming together to get relief to Haiti.  All of the money raised at the concert will go to Northwest Haiti Christian Mission's earthquake relief work.A request for a small blurb in the calendar section of the paper turned into a front page story about the concert and relief to Haiti, and an interview with the local TV station!  Stories of tragedy and triumph keep coming in from news sources and teams at work in Haiti like…

  • Why Should We Imitate Christ?

    24 Jan 2010 | 5:11 am
    The final devotion for Winter White Wash.----------------------------Why should we imitate Christ?In Jesus, God is reaching out to humanity with the offer to be reconciled to Him. 2 Corinthians 5:20 gives us a place in His appeal as well. We are called Christ’s ambassadors. It’s like God is appealing through you to the people you work with and go to school with: “Come back into a right relationship with me.”If that message doesn’t flow from your life, you’re not imitating Jesus. We should imitate Him because we need to reflect His Father to the people around us. Their best, first…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    The Writing on the Wall

  • Ed Young about to have “fellowship” with the IRS

    hiscrivener
    6 Feb 2010 | 10:58 am
    Just when you thought some megachurch televangelical playas had seen enough of the brethren being shady, sucking their thumb in a fetal position and using hundreds of dollars for tissue – comes Ed Young, Jr. Eddie is pastor of one of the largest – and most egregious milquetoast – churches in the country, Fellowship Church. He [...]

  • Elvis and Jesus: Long live the Kings?

    hiscrivener
    3 Feb 2010 | 12:00 pm
    Giving at church has been about as flat as, well… attendance in church since the bottom dropped on the national economy. However, when God is alive in your heart, quit is nothing more than a dirty four-letter word. Just ask Archbishop Dorian Baxter who holds church services in a Royal Canadian Legion Hall as a notable [...]

  • Jesus turned water into wine, but Arabs are turning it into cash

    hiscrivener
    1 Feb 2010 | 7:34 pm
    In case you are new to the Gospel, a couple of things: Welcome! Jesus loves you. Muslims aren’t huge fans of the Jews. To the latter, I don’t mean as in not carrying a foam finger reading, “There’s only one Savior for me.” It’s more like, “I have hated your guts for 6,000 years. Ishmael is the man [...]

  • Cross Eyed: Well, since the Kingdom doth suffer violence…

    hiscrivener
    30 Jan 2010 | 7:00 am
    Our brave men and women need all the inspiration they can muster to fight for us overseas. Some have their family picture in the pocket. Others have voice mails of their loved one on the phone. And even a few believe their selfless act of admiration is being done in the name of God. Evidently, a [...]

  • Priests on the Internet. Don’t call NBC… yet.

    hiscrivener
    28 Jan 2010 | 12:00 pm
    Holy Tweet! Have you read this story on Yahoo! news? According to the AP, “Pope Benedict XVI has a new commandment for priests struggling to get their message across: ‘Go Forth and Blog.’” “The spread of multimedia communications and its rich ‘menu of options’ might make us think it sufficient simply to be present on the [...]
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Out of Ur

  • The Hansen Report: Subverting for the Sake of Christ

    7 Feb 2010 | 10:00 pm
    At the same time that many evangelical leaders lament the sin in our midst, talk of transforming the world for Christ rallies big crowds to action. We bemoan the present world as we long for Christ to return and make all things new. Somewhere in between, we eventually realize that we can accomplish more for the cause of Christ than we have so far, but not so much as our rhetoric sometimes suggests. Trevin...

  • Ur Video: Piper on Hell

    2 Feb 2010 | 10:00 pm
    The second edition of our series on hell features John Piper. He's concerned that we're diminishing the centrality and importance of hell in our theology and proclamation. Do you agree?...

  • A Movement or a Fad?

    1 Feb 2010 | 10:00 pm
    The difference between a fad and a movement is that a movement produces long term enduring change. A fad, on the other hand, feeds off something that already exists: a cultural awareness, a disenchantment, or even a novel idea and expands on it. Through media, publishing, and viral exchange, it becomes a sensation that sells books, creates a lot of activity, makes people feel something exciting—but in the end it doesn’t produce enough substance to...

  • Ur Video: NT Wright on Hell

    27 Jan 2010 | 10:00 pm
    We're starting a new weekly series on Out of Ur about the doctrine of Hell. Each week there will be a post (video or written) from a church leader on their view of Hell and the role of the doctrine today. Given the diversity of views, and the different ways evangelical churches talk (or don't talk) about Hell, we hope this series informs your own thinking and communication....

  • What's Changing, What's Not

    26 Jan 2010 | 10:00 pm
    Dave Travis, managing director of Leadership Network, offers his state of the church in America, based on recent research and his own observations looking through the "keyhole" of large churches. Things That Are Changing 1. Multi-site churches. According to the book Multi-Site Roadtrip, an estimated 2,000 churches in America use the multi-site model. Travis: "If you're a large church, you're thinking multi-site." 2. Social media. According to the Pew Research Center, 85 percent of...
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    GetReligion

  • Question: Who set all this up?

    tmatt
    8 Feb 2010 | 12:22 pm
    If you want to be truly depressed, read this New York Times report that ran under the headline: “Bleak Portrait of Haiti Orphanages Raises Fears.” Here’s the start of Ginger Thompson’s report from Port-au-Prince: The floors were concrete and the windows were broken. There was no electricity or running water. Lunch looked like watery grits. Beds were fashioned from sheets of cardboard. And the only toilet did not work. But the Foyer of Patience here is like hundreds of places that pass as orphanages for thousands of children in the poorest country in the hemisphere.

  • Superbowl morality tales

    Mollie
    8 Feb 2010 | 2:06 am
    Even though officially I was rooting for the Indianapolis Colts, that was a very enjoyable Superbowl game. Both teams really deserved to be at the game and it was, overall, very well played. But wow were many of the commercials I saw awful. (To be fair, I was making Lester LeBlanc’s jambalaya and was distracted as well by my children. I missed many ads.) Anyway, we were midway through the first quarter when my husband and I were aghast at the misogyny and the portrayal of men as bumbling idiots. Now that I’m a mother, I actually worry about the messages some of these…

  • Shameless super plug for a friend

    tmatt
    7 Feb 2010 | 2:30 pm
    Well, this is Super Sunday and all of that, so it’s fitting that young master Brad started us off with a God and the gridiron post. I’ve already seen a Pam and Tim Tebow advertisement several times during the pre-game show this afternoon — which may have well as started last night — and the contents seemed very tame, in terms of being a major event in the Culture Wars. I wonder if there is a stronger ad coming during the game itself. Normally, you don’t call something a “Super Bowl ad” unless it airs after the kickoff. Meanwhile, Sarah Pulliam Bailey…

  • Godly gridiron giants

    Brad A. Greenberg
    7 Feb 2010 | 10:56 am
    It’s Super Bowl Sunday, which means today is a super day to discuss coverage of faithful football coaches. Although, in this case it’s two former Super Bowl winning coaches. One, Tony Dungy, is taken on a new role of mentor to troubled players. The other, Mike Holmgren, is the new czar of the Browns and the second biggest macher in Cleveland, right after King James. Both Dungy and Holmgren recently received major profiles on ESPN.com and in the Plain-Dealer, respectively. What was wonderful about both these reports was the degree of attention they directed at the Godly motivations…

  • Southern Baptists should slow down?

    tmatt
    6 Feb 2010 | 6:38 pm
    When I broke into mainstream religion writing about 1980, one of the leaders of Religion Newswriters Association was Louis Moore of the Houston Chronicle, which during that era had one of America’s dominant religion sections. I met Moore when I was a Baylor University undergraduate, in part because we was a Baylor alum and, thus, we shared a mentor — the legendary journalism professor David McHam. Moore worked in the mainstream as a religion-beat specialist and then went into newspaper management. Eventually, his strong Southern Baptist ties and credentials kicked in and he became…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Ragamuffin Soul

  • She Left Me For an 80 Year Old Amish Man

    loswhit
    8 Feb 2010 | 12:12 pm
    I don’t get it. OK. Well maybe I do. My wife has this UNREAL fascination with the Amish community. She reads books about them, watches movies about them. MAKES FRIENDS with them. She has this friend named Danny. Danny is the leader of his Amish community about 45 miles outside Nashville. It started so innocently… Then we bought a bench from him…in which he mailed us a handwritten letter when it was done. Then they became pen pals. Now…when most people go to the Amish community to drive by the houses and stare…they are likely to see my wife in the window sipping…

  • Rain It Down // Song Story

    loswhit
    7 Feb 2010 | 5:47 pm
    More song stories soon… Los

  • Leather Jacker, Lollipop, No Nap

    loswhit
    5 Feb 2010 | 5:54 pm
    The cover of my EP was more of an accident than anything. Me and Lil Los went down to the tunnel for a few minutes. I know I’ve put these up before but with so many new peeps around I thought I’d share again. Leather Jacket… Lollipop… No Nap… Perfect Shots… Los

  • Worship Leaders…Stop Leading In Front Of And Start Leading Beside Of

    loswhit
    4 Feb 2010 | 11:30 am
    I remember a Sunday at Sandals when JC’s Girls had had an outreach the night before. JC’s Girls was an outreach my wife was a part of to the sex industry/strippers/porn stars/ect. of Los Angeles. I remember walking up to the mic…starting the song…looking down… Breasts… Cleavage… Legs… All over the first 2 rows. Scattered like confetti. Apparently the outreach was a smashing success. And suddenly I forgot every word to the first song we sang. “Look up”, I thought. “Just look up”. Every trick from Every Man’s Battle…

  • What Are You Most Frustrated About Right Now?

    loswhit
    3 Feb 2010 | 7:28 pm
    Please Share… Los
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    internetmonk.com

  • A Prayer of Martin Luther

    Chaplain Mike
    7 Feb 2010 | 8:46 am
    Behold, Lord, an empty vessel that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it. I am weak in the faith; strengthen me. I am cold in love; warm me and make me fervent, that my love may go out to my neighbor. I do not have a strong and firm faith; at times I doubt and am unable to trust you altogether. O Lord, help me. Strengthen my faith and trust in you. In you I have sealed the treasure of all I have. I am poor; you are rich and came to be merciful to the poor. I am a sinner; you are upright. With me, there is an abundance of sin; in you is the fullness of righteousness. Therefore I will will…

  • Practice Resurrection, part one

    Chaplain Mike
    6 Feb 2010 | 12:07 pm
    Today’s post is by guest blogger Chaplain Mike. Here on Internet Monk, Michael has made no secret of the fact that he is a huge fan of pastor, author, and professor Eugene Peterson. And I am right there with him in my admiration of Peterson’s writings. If you would like to go back and read some of what Michael has said about the man and his writings, here are some posts from the iMonk archives about Peterson: March 4, 2005 August 22, 2007 January 31, 2008 Sabbatical Journal I Sabbatical Journal continued Sabbatical Journal conclusion Though best known in popular circles as the…

  • Instructed Anglican Eucharist

    Chaplain Mike
    5 Feb 2010 | 6:39 pm
    From our friends at St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Tallahassee, FL, here is another of their excellent teaching videos. In this one, Father Michael Petty leads a class on the meaning of the Eucharist in the Anglican liturgy. St. Peter’s also makes notes available to use while watching. Download notes here. (MOD: With regard to downloading the notes, clicking the link on St. Peter’s page will take you to another link at the bottom of the page. Right click (or Ctrl-click for Mac) to download the PDF file.) Instructed Eucharist from St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Vimeo.

  • A Brief Update From Michael 2/4/08

    iMonk
    4 Feb 2010 | 5:26 pm
    NOT a current Pic. If you haven’t read the current post at The Master’s Table, I want to say a big thanks to my FRIEND Clark Bunch for such a kind post. My situation is serious. Sleep is a big issue. I need rest and it is hard to get. This cancer situation is not going to give my old life back. It may take the life I have. I choose whatever mission God has for me, the utmost need is a simple prayer on my behalf. If what I am going through reminds you of what you have been through what you what been through in the past, I pray for you and hope others will be the same. I am home…

  • Cursing the Fall

    Chaplain Mike
    4 Feb 2010 | 5:21 pm
    Today’s guest blogger is Jeremy Berg. Thanks, Jeremy! This reflection from last spring seems a timely word to all who are struggling to make sense of the recent Haiti disaster. May we send our curses in the right direction. I was doing the annual spring yard clean-up this past spring.  My wife had done most of the raking and left them in neat piles for me to come behind and bag up.  I’m a manly man, so I didn’t think I needed to wear work gloves to pick up a few leaves.  What I didn’t expect, as I thoughtlessly grabbed handfuls of leaves to stuff into the bags,…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Tall Skinny Kiwi

  • Mountains of North Africa

    Andrew Jones
    6 Feb 2010 | 10:49 am
    Wow! Nearly two weeks without blogging. We are fine. We have been part of a convoy of 18 people from all over Europe, traveling through the mountains of Africa with our possessions on donkeys led by Berbers. Stories and photos to come when i find a wifi signal. Until then, prace.

  • Africa

    Andrew Jones
    26 Jan 2010 | 9:49 am
    Ok - I feel a blogging break coming on. We are driving through Africa and wifi will be a little scarce, I presume. I will do my best to keep up. Anyway, appreciate prayers for us during our journeys. Ta!

  • Redeemer City to City and Missional Stuff

    Andrew Jones
    26 Jan 2010 | 9:37 am
    Redeemer City to City is the new name and new look for Redeemer's Church Planting Center. Check out the new web site. What you may not know is that one of the many wonderful people that have featured on my blog for the last . . . shoot . . almost a decade . . . is the incredible and hairless Sasa Flek from Prague, Czech Republic. Sasa, who was the "scribe in our basement" when we lived in Prague has now completed his Bible translation into Czech and is setting up an apostolic base [if i can call it that] in Prague. And more to the point, Sasa is now officially connected to Redeemers family of…

  • Al Mohler Tops the Religion Blogs

    Andrew Jones
    24 Jan 2010 | 1:01 am
    Dr Albert Mohler is a big man on radio, behind the pulpit, in the classroom, in the biggest office of one of the biggest Seminaries in the world, and also on the blogosphere. In fact he has just topped the blogosphere with the leading religion blog according to Technorati rankings. I know this because I am running right behind him at number 2. Al Mohler deserves to be on top. He writes good content and a lot of people read it. Christianity Today called Al Mohler the “reigning intellectual of the evangelical movement in the U.S.” And of course a lot of people link to his content which is…

  • After Haiti: What to Say, Sing or Show in Church

    Andrew Jones
    23 Jan 2010 | 3:16 am
    Some of you are figuring out what to sing, show or speak about at church tomorrow, in light of the Haiti earthquake. Here are some resources. VIDEO Pray for Haiti is a video you can download and play at your church gathering on Sunday. Its free and they guy behind it is my old VJ friend Travis Reed. You might remember he and some friends started a fantastic resource company called Highway Video and then went on to do The Work of the People. He was the guy behind the video on "Please Dont Make Us Sing This Song" which a lot of churches used immediately after Hurricane Katrina. Check out this…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Vintage Faith

  • First 2 days in S. Korea

    DanKimball
    7 Feb 2010 | 6:38 pm
    I am in Seoul, South Korea for a couple of days. Yesterday I spoke at Young Nak Presbyterian Church. That church is a very large and historical church in Seoul. They were extremely gracious to show me around and I...

  • Mark Oestreicher is a hero of youth ministry

    DanKimball
    27 Jan 2010 | 1:43 am
    I have been friend with Marko for... ten years I think...... something like that. Mark was president of Youth Specialties for many years. But Marko was in the area speaking at a youth conference and he drove into Santa Cruz...

  • Wheaton College and positive things about The Emerging Church

    DanKimball
    22 Jan 2010 | 12:05 pm
    Just got back from a really great time at Wheaton College. I was there for a 2 day event put on by the Christian Ethics Center. They called the event "The Emerging Church: What Do I Really Know?" I don't...

  • Origins update, heading to Wheaton College and what Marko thinks I will look like in 20 years

    DanKimball
    16 Jan 2010 | 3:56 pm
    We had a 2 day Origins planning meeting in Los Angeles that I just got back from last night. Launching what will be a global network is a fascinating experience. It may feel like it is taking a long time...

  • World Vision and Haiti

    DanKimball
    15 Jan 2010 | 12:32 pm
    Vintage Faith Church is directing our local church to support World Vision humanitarian relief efforts. Their website is here. They are posting regular updates on relief efforts happening there. I'm currently reading World Vision's president's book "A Hole In Our...
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Albert Mohler's Blog

  • NewsNote: Where are the Young Men?

    Albert Mohler
    8 Feb 2010 | 9:55 pm
    A visit to your local college or university campus is likely to reveal that a revolution has taken place. On many campuses, young women now outnumber young men, and a gender gap of momentous importance is staring us in the face. This gender gap has been growing for some time now, as successive generations of young women have entered the world of higher education. Yet, no one seemed to see a gap of this magnitude coming — until it had already happened. The disparity of enrollment by gender varies by institution, but it is now estimated that almost 60% of all undergraduate students…

  • NewsNote: Masculinity in a Can, Fight Club at Church, and the Crisis of Manhood

    Albert Mohler
    4 Feb 2010 | 11:23 pm
    You do not have to look far to find evidence of the fact that males are in trouble in these confused and confusing times. On the university campuses, women undergraduate students outnumber young men by a clear margin — 60% to 40%. A frightening percentage of young males are or have been behind bars, and the vast majority of young men are delaying their assumption of adult roles and responsibilities until well into their twenties or early thirties. A crisis of fatherlessness marks the lives of millions of boys and young men, with boys growing up without fathers in the home now comprising…

  • Adopted for Life . . . and in Death

    Albert Mohler
    3 Feb 2010 | 2:27 am
    Arno was inseparable from Mr. Penguin. The little Haitian boy was almost three years old, and the plush penguin with the word “love” inscribed upon it was his most treasured object. The orphan and his penguin were always seen together. The boy had been given the penguin just after his birth. A Dutch couple was in the process of adopting him almost from the start of his life — they had been matched to him when he was only two months old. The penguin represented a promise. The process of adoption took two years — the length of time considered adequate to determine that…

  • Hijacking the Brain — How Pornography Works

    Albert Mohler
    1 Feb 2010 | 9:26 am
    We are fast becoming the pornographic society. Over the course of the last decade, explicitly sexual images have crept into advertising, marketing, and virtually every niche of American life. This ambient pornography is now almost everywhere, from the local shopping mall to prime-time television. By some estimations, the production and sale of explicit pornography now represents the seventh-largest industry in America. New videos and internet pages are produced each week, with the digital revolution bringing a host of new delivery systems. Every new digital platform becomes a marketing…

  • Mere Moral Opprobrium? Far More than Marriage is on Trial

    Albert Mohler
    29 Jan 2010 | 1:12 am
    Both sides in the federal trial over same-sex marriage have now rested, and the nation awaits the decision of U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker. Nevertheless, the judge’s decision will not put the matter to rest, no matter his ruling. Both sides have pledged, if they lose, to appeal his ruling all the way to the Supreme Court. To that, Michael Lindenberger of Time Magazine adds: “What’s equally clear now, after nearly three weeks of evidence, is that no matter what happens, the debate over gay marriage will never again be the same.” As Lindenberger argues, the case has…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Without Wax

  • Clowning Around

    Pete Wilson
    8 Feb 2010 | 6:51 am
    Got a call from a buddy right before my trip who in essence said, “Pete why are you going to India right now? You need to be promoting Book #1 and I know your writing book #2. You guys are having record settings weekends at Cross Point, you’re getting ready to open a 4th campus and you’ve got a new teaching series you need to work on. Couldn’t you have found a less busy time?” He’s got a great heart but I think there was a part of him that felt as if I was almost being a little irresponsible. Almost as if I were clowning around when more important things…

  • Faces That Change You

    Pete Wilson
    7 Feb 2010 | 4:21 am
    Every once in a while you lock eyes with an individual who changes the way you think, act, and love. Here’s a few eyes I was blessed to glare into. I could tell you their stories, but just look into their eyes. I think you know. Matthew 25 37“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the…

  • Red Rover

    Pete Wilson
    6 Feb 2010 | 5:48 am
    Laughter may not fix everything, but it sure is a good place to start. They had never heard of Red Rover in the Khalpar slum until yesterday. What’s your favorite childhood game? Mine? Freeze Tag. Red Rover from Pete Wilson on Vimeo.

  • More Pastor Then I’ll Ever Be

    Pete Wilson
    5 Feb 2010 | 4:31 am
    Let me introduce you to Bishal Barik. This kid grabbed my heart from the moment I met him. Maybe it’s because he’s 8 like my oldest or maybe it’s his contagious smile, but we instantly hit it off. Bishal is a student at the school we’ve started in the Khalpar slum. His mother abandoned him the day he was born and another family took him in. There were complications with his birth which have left Bishal battling issues with his legs. He walks with a limp and is often in pain after a day of playing outside. He’s in desperate need of physical therapy but obviously…

  • Finally Here!

    Pete Wilson
    4 Feb 2010 | 12:20 pm
    Our first day in Kolkata was a tough one. After 30 hours of travel we finally arrived, grabbed a quick shower and headed out to the slum we’ll be working in the rest of our short visit. The Khalpar slum is currently the focus for Cries of Love. This slum is the home for some 500 people. While most of the men in this community work as rickshaw pullers the women serve as maid servants. While the adults are off working during the day this leaves the some 70 kids in the slum to fend for themselves. Cross Point is partnering with Cries of Love to provide a school for these kids during the…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    beauty and depravity

  • building the movement…

    Eugene Cho
    9 Feb 2010 | 12:01 am
    ODW has one (paid) staff member but we have a great and growing team of volunteer staff and interns and we are slowly building this grassroots movement. Here’s my interview with Trace Bundy – acoustic guitarist extraordinaire – who’s also partnering with ODW to fight extreme global poverty. If you don’t know who Trace is, make [...]

  • best and worst super bowl commercials?

    Eugene Cho
    8 Feb 2010 | 12:01 am
    Like the billions of other idolaters, I watched (most of) the Super Bowl yesterday with a bunch of Questers. The game was ok but the majority of the commercials were mediocre. Umm, I couldn’t get the obsession with underpants stuff in couple commercials. And while I was in and out, I didn’t catch all the commercials but [...]

  • theology of singlehood II and the “big question”

    Eugene Cho
    5 Feb 2010 | 12:01 am
    Here’s part 2 of my sermons on a theology of singlehood as part of a larger series on Relationships.  As you listen/watch the sermon,  I do have a question and would love to get some feedback. It’s the most prominent question I’ve received over the past couple weeks as I’ve taught on singlehood: You say that [...]

  • inviting artists and musicians to help change the world

    Eugene Cho
    4 Feb 2010 | 12:01 am
    I’m a wanna be musician. I live in Seattle so I have to pretend that I’m in a band. I have a guitar sitting in the corner of my room and I also have drumsticks on my desk…and I don’t even play drums. Because there’s something unique about artists and musicians. Yes, there’s vanity and narcissism [...]

  • ultimate loving daddy

    Eugene Cho
    3 Feb 2010 | 12:01 am
    In light of my post yesterday about Mixed Martial Arts, the Church, and Jesus, I thought this would be an appropriate time to come clean with the whole wide world: I wrestle (nearly) every night…with all of my kids including my son and it’s the highlight of my day. I took the liberty of filming one [...]
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Wrecked for the Ordinary

  • Hook Up or Get Out: God's Prescription for Holiness

    7 Feb 2010 | 4:00 pm
    "He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful" (John 15:2). "Hook up or get out." That's what my brother always says to me. What he really meant is... don't mess around. Isn't that the typical day-in-the life of a 20-something? We're not sure of what we want or even who we are, so why the heck would it matter if I'm ____? Fill in the blank. Making out with strangers? Sleeping in someone else's bed? Taking prescription medication? Drugs? Consuming large amounts of alcohol? Anything to numb the void…

  • Russ Lee of NewSong Gives Himself Away

    5 Feb 2010 | 4:00 pm
    Give yourself away. Inspired, yet? Give yourself away... now. Motivated to do something? Anything? Why is it difficult for Americans to be selfless? What is that wall that prevents us from sharing with others? Whether it's our possessions or ourselves, we need an earthquake to shake our apathy. Literally. Most times we understand how to throw money at people or problems. But only when we can afford it. What's the point of surrendering when it doesn't cost us anything? Russ Lee of NewSong shared a portion of his infectious passion and heart. When we talked, he didn't focus on the album or the…

  • Shaping Jesus: A Reflection on Martin Luther King, Jr.

    3 Feb 2010 | 4:00 pm
    With the celebration of the birthday of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.,  we see where Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. is used to bolster movements and causes that he did not specifically speak on. For example, in Raleigh-Durham, NC, a gay rights activist is torqued that a pastor who preaches a historical understanding of the bible's view on homosexuality will be speaking at a tribute to Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Regardless of what either person in question believes is right or wrong, both are imposing their beliefs onto Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., and for very different reasons.  …

  • Faith, Hope, and Love in the 21st Century: A Manifesto?

    2 Feb 2010 | 4:00 pm
    Let's face it: Christianity in the Western world is quickly changing. If you've had a conversation with an average person on the street about what she believes about God or religion, it shouldn't surprise you to hear that she probably doesn't have regard for those topics. More and more people don't know what they believe, or simply don't believe in much at all. Many Christians are even having crises of faith. The things our parents believed about politics, the world, and spirituality in many ways now seem rote, in dire need of being reinvented.   A variety of contributing factors can be…

  • The Myth of Education (How to Really Change the World)

    1 Feb 2010 | 4:00 pm
    The end justifies the means. Or does it? As people of faith, whether we identify ourselves with Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, even Atheism, this is a question we must continually wrestle with. It's easy to say the end justifies the means; it's easy to say the means justifies the end. It's hard to dig deep and humbly admit that maybe we really don't know. To believe is human; to doubt divine. (Peter Rollins) It is with this mindset we must approach bureaucratic institutions of all shapes, sizes, colors, and forms. Again, it's easy to fire off mindless criticisms that emotionally…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Kary Oberbrunner : Recovering Pharisee

  • The BIG (Secret Name) ANNOUNCEMENT

    Kary Oberbrunner
    8 Feb 2010 | 4:04 pm
    3.15.2010 The day you’ll get full access to the anticipated video, sample chapter, & a chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes. More than that you’ll have the ability to take the Secret Name test which will shed light on God’s Secret Name for you. RSVP now to save your spot at the Free Online Launch Party. Tell your friends by sharing the event via facebook, twitter, etc. (Click this link for easy share buttons). Let the countdown begin. New prizes will be listed regularly. For starters how about a trip to California or Chicago thanks toCatalyst? * You must…

  • Big announcement coming Monday

    Kary Oberbrunner
    6 Feb 2010 | 3:43 am
    Get ready. Everything will change.

  • 4 ways to overcome sex slavery

    Kary Oberbrunner
    4 Feb 2010 | 2:36 am
    If you missed the recent post about Human Trafficking read this link first. The opportunites  below represent specific volunteer roles that need to be filled. Specific Volunteer Needs   We have a few very specific needs right now, and I am wondering whether any of you can recommend someone for any of these volunteer positions:  Before you read further, would you pause a moment and ask God to bring to mind any person in your sphere of influence that He might be tapping on the shoulder for one or more of these roles? media relations–This person would know how to maximize media coverage…

  • The Matrix cannot tell you who you are.

    Kary Oberbrunner
    2 Feb 2010 | 3:55 am
    Who am I? Every person in every culture asks this question. It’s comes the territory and it’s what makes us human. Sadly, most men define who they are by what they do. Most women, on the other hand, define who they are by how they look or what relationships they have. The truth? The Matrix cannot tell you who you are. I trust you’re getting ready to discover YOUR SECRET NAME. The time is almost here.

  • I KNOW why you can’t say NO

    Kary Oberbrunner
    31 Jan 2010 | 2:25 am
    We blame ourselves. We feel sick inside. Someone just asked us to do something that we didn’t really want to do and we can’t believe we heard ourselves say YES. We wished we would have said NO. A form of self-hatred rises up within us. We wish we were different, but we don’t know of any other way. We wish we could snap out of it, but we’re not sure how. And so we’re disgusted with ourselves. We’re stuck. Have you had this experience? I used to all the time. I found myself doing the strangest things at the strangest times at the strangest places. I was a…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Ligonier Ministries Blog

  • R.C. Sproul's Most Influential Books

    Tim Challies
    8 Feb 2010 | 9:38 pm
    You can tell a lot about a person by the books they read and can tell even more by the books that have most influenced him. As you can imagine, Dr. Sproul has read many (many!) books in his lifetime. Here he has put together a list of just a few of the most influential books that have helped to shape his thinking and ministry. 1. The Freedom of the Will, Edwards 2. The Bondage of the Will, Luther 3. Institutes of the Christian Religion, Calvin 4. God in Modern Philosophy, Collins 5. A Time for Truth, Simons Keep Reading to See the Rest of the List

  • Pilgrims (and Their Hosts)

    R. Scott Clark
    8 Feb 2010 | 12:02 am
    A wise traveler adapts to the customs and languages of the host country. When we lived abroad, people never asked us about our health. It is considered rude. The day we left England, however, we were peppered with questions by an American woman who was being polite. What was rude in England was polite in Dallas. Changing theological traditions is like traveling abroad. Upon arrival, the visitor is likely to find new language and culture, that is, a new theology, piety, and practice. This cross-cultural encounter creates opportunities and obligations for hosts and pilgrims alike. There…

  • Time is the currency

    Richard Phillips
    7 Feb 2010 | 12:10 pm
    This is my simple agenda to ensure I am actively and intimately involved in the lives of my children: Read, Pray, Work, Play. I must read God's Word to and with my children regularly. We must bear each others' burdens in prayer and worship the Lord together at his throne of grace. My children need my positive, encouraging involvement in their work (and they need an invitation into some of mine). And we need to bind our hearts with laughter and joy in shared play, both one-on-one and as a complete family. This all requires time, for time is the currency with which I purchase the right to say,…

  • Accepting Our Helper

    R.C. Sproul
    6 Feb 2010 | 10:00 pm
    It was 3 a.m., Amsterdam, 1965. I couldn’t sleep. I was pacing the floor of our apartment like a caged lion. My body was more than ready for sleep, but my mind refused to shut down. I had spent that day studying the doctrine of the ascension of Christ, the climactic moment of His departure from this world. One statement of Jesus gripped my mind in a vise. The statement was part of Jesus’ farewell discourse to His disciples in the upper room. He said: “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come…

  • New Comprehensive Section on Justification

    Karisa Schlehr
    5 Feb 2010 | 5:55 am
    With an aim to analyze the merit of N.T. Wright’s claims and expose both the strengths and weaknesses of his approach, the editors of Tabletalk magazine have put together this collection of videos, audio resources, and articles to help Christians discern the errors behind the approach of N.T. Wright. You can also read the entire February issue of Tabletalk examining what N.T. Wright really said. The Doctrine of Justification and the New Perspectives on Paul
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Ransomed Heart Blog

  • Sulking

    Craig McConnell
    8 Feb 2010 | 7:22 pm
    “It is the ability to choose which makes us human.” - Author Unknown Some huge part of what it means to be human is our ability to choose. Our depravity, woundedness, glory and our transformation are all seen in the choices we make. Some part of me was sulking over the constancy of choice that fills my every day. How many choices do we make in a single day? Is there no rest? A little break... a couple of passes... you know, like a "snow" day? Good over evil, a serving of vegetables over the old-fashioned glazed donut, listening versus talking, saving instead of spending, stillness over…

  • My Story: Act III, Scene I

    Craig McConnell
    26 Jan 2010 | 7:11 pm
    It was evening. I was eight, my younger brothers and sisters had just been put to bed. Mom and dad wanted to talk with me alone in the family room of our home. It was then that time stopped; winter began; and the earth’s rotation was altered; Santa was exposed; never again were there “blue moons” or innocent warm summer days lying on the grass imagining shapes, characters and creatures in the billowy clouds above. The neighbor’s dog became mean, my younger “brothers” and “sisters” weren’t really brothers and sisters… my family became opaque, a faded hue, less real.My…

  • Matador

    Craig McConnell
    16 Jan 2010 | 10:31 am
    While chatting on Facebook with my friend David Schloske I was perusing his “Home” page and was captured by his favorite quote. I read it three times. It’s great! "There are many people who think they want to be matadors, only to find themselves in the ring with 2,000 pounds of bull bearing down on them, and then discover that what they really wanted was to wear the tight pants and hear the crowd roar".- Terry Pearce "Love All Serve All" There are times our desires are fulfilled resulting in a little more clarity about that which we more deeply yearn for. There are things we hope for,…

  • Road Warriors

    Craig McConnell
    10 Jan 2010 | 12:11 pm
    I just walked into our home having driven home from LA after a couple of weeks with our family and friends over the holidays.Yes, that’s me in my Santa accoutrements with my numero uno “helper”. Lori stayed in LA for some extended time with friends giving me the gift of a two day drive. I spent much of the drive silent. I’m always amazed how much God has to say if I am merely quiet.  "We live in a noisy, busy world… We have become a people with an aversion to quiet and an uneasiness with being alone." – Jean Fleming "Be still, and know that I am God”. – Psalm 46:10…

  • A Roller Coaster

    Craig McConnell
    28 Dec 2009 | 3:02 pm
    I truly appreciate all the words and prayers that have come since I shared my diagnosis in the last blog. Thank you so much! After learning of the Leukemia I initially experienced waves of shock/surprise, fear and anxiety. But as with many disrupting events in life those expected emotions were mingled with the unexpected. I remember as a young boy standing in line to ride the rickety old wooden roller coaster on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk… it was named “Certain Death”, “Giant Dipper”, “Bone Crusher” or some other frightening moniker. As the line…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    John Eldredge

  • A Valentine's Day Story

    John Eldredge
    6 Feb 2010 | 6:58 pm
    While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor." Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she…

  • deep breath

    John Eldredge
    17 Jan 2010 | 9:43 am
    It's Sunday. Stasi and I were just sitting in my office at home, talking about the fact that this is the week we start the Love and War Tour. I said, "Okay. Anything funky between us this week," (I was already feeling the funkiness, the "you don't really like me" stuff), "anything that feels weird is NOT true. It's not us. Anything that feels like diminishment this week, or accusation, is NOT true. This is a Tour week." She nodded, sighed. We both shared a sober look.Moments earlier we were checking email, and then I suggested we watch the trailer for the new HBO special on WWII in the South…

  • The Theme of the New Year

    John Eldredge
    31 Dec 2009 | 8:44 am
    Every year, on New year's Day, I try and take some time to be with God, and ask him a few questions.First thing I'll do is sanctify the coming year to Jesus. I'll pray to consecrate every day and every moment of the new year; I'll consecrate all my desires, plans, and even my calendar to him. I know too well how the pressures and demands and crises rush in to steal the days. I also know that my desires are not always what God has for me, and I don't want to rush on making plans outside of his. So, right at the start, I give the year to God. I devote it to him, dedicate it to him, consecrate…

  • The Utterly Unique Gift of Christmas

    John Eldredge
    20 Dec 2009 | 10:25 am
    I love singing Christmas carols. I love what their words remind me of. Just this morning Stasi was singing a few refrains from O Holy Night and it absolutely grabbed me: A thrill of hopeThe weary world rejoices Something deep in my spirit said, O yes, dear Jesus, we need hope. Come for this weary world. Actually, this world is more than weary. This world is coming apart at the seams. I do not refer to the wars, the disease, the economic chaos, the human trafficking. These tragedies are blatant. Something deeper is unraveling. I wonder if you’ve felt it, too. There is a barrenness of spirit,…

  • Today's The Day!

    John Eldredge
    15 Dec 2009 | 8:24 am
    Well, Stasi and I have been up for most of the night. Not because of excitement (today is a big day!).Not because we ate too many bratwurst (they were really good, especially with mustard). The reason was attack. The spiritual warfare in our home and bedroom last night was palpable. You could feel the presence of evil. After a few rounds of prayer, we did get to sleep. Sometime after 3am. It's a compliment, really, in a back-handed way. The enemy is freaking out. And well he should be. Well he should be.Today is the official launch of Love and War!Stasi and I wrote the book in the spirit…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    A Heart After Children

  • Lent: Lesson 4

    admin
    8 Feb 2010 | 8:00 am
    Lent: Lesson 4 Call to Worship(Sung to “The Bear Went over the Mountain”) Let’s worship God, let’s worship God, let’s worship God, With joyful hearts, with joyful hearts, with joyful hearts, Let’s worship God with joyful hearts! Joys and Concerns Have the children share a few joys and concerns they have and follow with a prayer thanking God for our joys and asking God to be with us in our concerns.  Sharing Say: Does anyone remember anything about what we learned Lent last Sunday? (It’s 40 days, we grow closer to God, we have symbols that teach us, etc.) Listening  …

  • It’s Been One Year

    admin
    29 Jan 2010 | 1:43 pm
    Happy Anniversary! Yesterday marked the very first blog post of this blog. It has been a great experience thus far for me and I hope that it has been a helpful tool for many. I remember telling Andrew (my fiancé at the time) that I wanted to start a blog. I had a Professor who had been talking lots about integrating our life’s calling into the tech savvy lives we already led. With a blog I could put up anything I wanted: curriculum, thoughts, children sermons, class notes, etc, and people could use that information in their own ministries. Andrew said ok, and here we are. One year…

  • Symbols of Faith Book Review

    admin
    28 Jan 2010 | 8:30 am
    Check out this great book any time you want to include more Christian history and tradition. If you are talking about Easter, for example,  this book can add more to your lesson. It has lots of reproducibles as visuals and for crafts. It has explanations for each symbol and where the symbol came from. It is written on level with children but an adult can learn just as much from this book. It is a great resource for added components of history and tradition. Tweet This! Share this on Facebook Digg this! Stumble upon something good? Share it on…

  • Web Wednesday

    admin
    27 Jan 2010 | 8:30 am
    I have another website for you all to check out! Go to http://www.childrensministry.net/ for a directory of Children Ministries websites. It has quite a few to check out and will give you a base of online resources to check for ideas on programming, spiritual development, Sunday School, leadership training and so on. Tweet This! Share this on Facebook Digg this! Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on del.icio.us Subscribe to the comments for this post?

  • We’re Like a Puzzle: Children’s Semon

    admin
    26 Jan 2010 | 8:30 am
    Say: (Hold up a puzzle) How many of you like to play with puzzles? (yes, or raise their hands) I love puzzles too!  (Take two or three pieces out of the picture) Is this how a puzzle is supposed to look? (No!) Are you sure? Is it supposed to have holes? (No, it’s supposed to be put together!) Oh they are supposed to all be there and put together? (Yes!) (Put the puzzle back together.) We are all like puzzle pieces. If we look at puzzle pieces they are all connected to each other. If one piece is gone the puzzle isn’t complete. Without one of us, the world would not be…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Geoffrey Janes

  • Snice Day

    30 Jan 2010 | 9:50 am
    Is it snow? Or is it ice? Can't really tell so we're calling it snice!We were awakened way too early by Kelsey screaming "IT SNOWED LAST NIGHT!" So much for sleeping in on this cold winter morning.So we did what any normal family would do...we got dressed up and hopped in the truck to go sliding around on icy roads!Here's a great video we made of Garren on the sled:Garren Sledding from Geoffrey Janes on Vimeo.

  • Posts Worth Checking Out

    14 Jan 2010 | 4:59 am
    I have come across a few good posts lately. Rather than try and recreate the thoughts here - why don't you check them out?They made me think - what about you?Why Are We Saved? (Part 1 of 3)http://www.shanekennard.com/why-are-we-savedBe Careful Little Thumbs What You Texthttp://evotional.com/2010/01/be-careful-little-thumbs-what-you-text.htmlWhose Calling?http://ow.ly/1n29NJ

  • Sunday @ Southbrook Monroe 12.20.09

    21 Dec 2009 | 7:35 am
    What a wonderful and refreshing time we had as a church yesterday! Here are the highlights:The Student Band led worship - and did an amazing job! God moved in people's hearts. I can't wait to have them back for our Christmas Eve service.The elementary children enjoyed their first Sunday in the newly opened children's wing. What a blessing! After months of raising funds, volunteer work days, and a lot of work done by Dane, Joe and many others, we were able to finally start using the new space. Pastor Rob reminded us once again of the true meaning of Christmas. Emmanuel - God is with us. Not…

  • What You Need to Know...

    18 Dec 2009 | 4:59 am
    When I went to seminary, for so called "pastoral training," they taught me how to prepare a sermon. I learned how to dissect the Greek and Hebrew languages. I learned how to logically argue for and defend the Christian faith. I learned a lot about cults and world religions. But to be honest, I don't remember learning anything about how to console a family who is grieving over the death of a child. I was never taught what to say to someone lying on their deathbed. I never learned anything about hiring and firing church staff. Seminary didn't teach me anything about managing a church…

  • It's For The....Pets? Really?

    10 Dec 2009 | 5:52 am
    I was snooping through the shopping bags that Nancy and the kids brought home from the store the other day. One had pet supplies: a doggie brush, doggie treats, and a little doggie toy. So, being the miser that I am, I asked: "What are these for?" The response: "They're for a pet drive at Kara's school." A pet drive? Yup, you heard it right...a pet drive. It's that time of year. Pet's everywhere are gathering around to be close to their families, to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. So Kara's school wanted to reach out to those less fortunate pets, the one's without families.
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Kitchen of Half-Baked Thoughts

  • Blessed assurance

    Tim Archer
    9 Feb 2010 | 4:00 am
    One problem that I have with the idea of perseverance of the saints is my own personal experience. I’ve seen committed Christians lose their faith. The standard answer is that if they had really been Christians, they wouldn’t have lost their faith. And this does seem to have some biblical backing: “They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.” (1 John 2:19) Isn’t that what John is saying here? I’m not so sure. This really seems…

  • God, man and salvation

    Tim Archer
    8 Feb 2010 | 4:00 am
    I’m going to change my usual modus operandi a bit and state my beliefs near the beginning of this study. I still want to try and present different views as objectively as I can, but I think it might be helpful if I lay out my current understanding. I believe in salvation by grace through faith. I admittedly view that differently than some, because I believe that faith is more than intellectual assent. It includes action. Faith that does not express itself in obedience is mere belief, not faith. I believe that Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient to save all men from all times. That…

  • Some readings on perseverance of the saints

    Tim Archer
    5 Feb 2010 | 4:00 am
    I rarely deal with serious matters on Friday, mainly because all of the websites that I maintain or track (about 10) show a sharp decline in readership on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Still, I don’t want to completely drop this discussion, so let me share some “assigned reading” for the weekend: J.R. Sheets (is that how you write your name?) defends the concept of “perseverance of the saints” in at least a couple of posts: Nothing Can Pluck Me From His Hand! (well, except me?) Response-to-Comment Post Royce Ogle posted, over two posts, an article by Edward…

  • Let God be God

    Tim Archer
    4 Feb 2010 | 4:00 am
    As was pointed out in the comment section of the first post in this series, other theological issues affect our views of the possibility of believers falling from grace. As we start into that territory, I need to offer one more word of caution. Whenever we draw limits around God, we’re wrong. Yes, it’s true that God can’t do things that go against his nature: he can’t lie, he can’t die, etc. But anytime that we claim to have perfectly defined God, we’re sure to be wrong in some way. The finite can’t explain the infinite. God can’t… God has…

  • Can the saved be lost? — Some initial thoughts

    Tim Archer
    3 Feb 2010 | 4:00 am
    As we explore the topic of saints ceasing to be saints, let me encourage us all to proceed with caution. I see no profit in a war of proof texts. Those that disagree with us don’t do so out of ignorance of any certain biblical text, so comments like “You obviously haven’t read…” don’t add anything to the discussion. (By the way, I really had no idea that Jay Guin was going to post on the same subject yesterday. I’d encourage you to read his post “Perseverance: A Reply To Randall,” especially reading through the comments there.) If Christian…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Godvertiser.com

  • The Bible 1.0

    BuddyCueto65
    9 Feb 2010 | 6:13 am
    Most Christians haven’t had the chance to hang out in the local Jewish synagogue or travel to Israel extensively. Thus, you may not have ever seen an original handwritten Torah scroll up close and in person, fully unfurled. Notice the handling of the scroll itself so no fingers actually touch it. To see the entire Torah written in Hebrew freehand, not by machine was and is awe-inspiring in itself. Take a quick looksie: We get so excited about the latest and greatest versions of the Bible that sometimes we forget to reflect about the Bible 1.0.

  • Accordance Has Given My PC A Split Personality

    godvertiser
    6 Feb 2010 | 6:58 pm
    I can’t believe my eyes. My PC is now a MACINTOSH computer. Seriously. And all I did was follow the installation directions that came with the Accordance for PC I recently received from Oak Tree Software to review. Basically, whenever I want to run Accordance, all I have to do now is rev up my Mac emulator (called Basilik II) via a desktop shortcut, just like any other application: Then a full-screen Macintosh computer comes to life on my PC: After “start-up,” you get a full Macintosh desktop, complete with top of the screen menus and its own virtual hard drives (which you…

  • Will You See God At The Superbowl?

    godvertiser
    6 Feb 2010 | 12:46 pm
    Mosaic Church has made the finalists in this year’s television commercial showdown sponsored by Doritos: The church, led by Erwin McManus, has already won $25,000 for becoming one of the 6 finalists. The masses were invited to vote for their favorite over at www.crashthesuperbowl.com. And the winning tv commercial will not be announced until the actual Superbowl commercial is run during the Superbowl. Erwin McManus explains in this video clip a little about their tv project, and why they want you to support their cause over at www.VoteForCasket.com The 30-second spot is bringing a lot…

  • Chuck E. Theology

    godvertiser
    5 Feb 2010 | 5:47 pm
    Today, I had the pleasure of doing something which I believe hasn’t ever been done! It was a first. A first for me, and most probably a first for the world: I bet that no one has every pursued seriously theological ponderings in the world of Chuck E. It was one of the best reading sessions I’ve had. Complete concentration and complete fun with the kids afterwards. And just to put it into context, we’re talking a brand new, two-story, fully renovated with “new carpet smell,” stocked with all the latest video games for $0.125/game facility (and of course, complete…

  • Sign of the Times

    godvertiser
    2 Feb 2010 | 5:22 pm
    Today, I’m sharing a public service announcement here on Godvertiser.com Look what I found around town recently… Sometimes “Mom knows best”. So much so that they make a sign to remind everyone - including you and me!
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Going to Seminary

  • What to ask a seminary rep before you apply

    Brian Schmitt
    19 Jan 2010 | 8:27 am
    Today’s guest post is by Dr. Sam Simmons. Dr. Simmons is co-founder and vice president for learning design at Rockbridge Seminary. ©Copyright 2010. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bob rubbed his tired eyes. For three hours he had been staring at seminary Web sites trying to decide where to apply. He was particularly interested in three seminaries but felt like he needed to probe a little deeper before making his final decision. Returning to the three Web sites, Bob wrote down the phone numbers, and then pulled out his cell phone to make the calls. While dialing the first…

  • The Beauty of Theology (an Advent Call)

    Paul Burkhart
    2 Dec 2009 | 6:30 am
    (art: "Saint Jerome" by Caravaggio) [This article is based on parts of the manuscript for a message I gave on "Beauty" at Epiphany Fellowship.On my personal blog and the webzine I run you can find the audio, manuscript, and full blog series inspired by the message.] We all know, as I’ve mentioned before, that there is a potential risk of seminary becoming too intellectual an enterprise.This is nothing new.It’s nothing we haven’t heard before. In light of Advent, which began last week, I’d like to send out this call to all the seminarians out there in the midst of papers…

  • The Dog Ate My Paper! (hard drive nightmares)

    Brian Schmitt
    1 Dec 2009 | 3:03 pm
    We’ve heard hundreds of horror stories of students losing their paper. Whether it is computer theft or a hard drive crashing, we are all vulnerable to loss of intellectual property. Days, even months of work can disappear in an instant. Each term we exhort students to back up their data frequently, but faculty members are just as guilty of not taking the necessary precautions to preserve data. Thankfully, there are some free or inexpensive solutions to this problem. You can rest easy at night knowing that your documents, email, contact, calendar, and all other data are safely backed up; not…

  • 25% Off All Logos Bible Software

    Brian Schmitt
    30 Nov 2009 | 11:02 am
    Cyber Monday, or everyday: The good folks over at Logos Bible Software are offering the GtS readers 25% off the latest Logos software. Either click here or use coupon code GTS1 when checking out. iPhone users should check out their recently launched iPhone app.

  • Don’t be this guy…

    Paul Burkhart
    25 Nov 2009 | 10:25 pm
    How many of us will come out of seminary, just to relate to our friends “out there” “in the world” in this way? Don’t. Thanks to my friends at Patrol Magazine for originally posting this video.
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Live A Revolution... Every Day

  • A Great Valentine

    Todd Ruth
    8 Feb 2010 | 5:09 pm
    This is my valentine from Carter. He made one for Jami too. Some of the best valentines don't cost a dime.

  • Sweet Creme Crap and Trying New Things with Students

    Todd Ruth
    3 Feb 2010 | 12:13 pm
    What you're looking at is a mixture of hot water, Italian Sweet Creme creamer, and orange pekoe & pekoe black tea.I thought it would be good... kind of like Starbuck's Tazo Chai Tea Latte That's what I thought.In actuality... it sucked. I will never make this concoction again...ever. It's got the smell of vanilla protein weight gainer.And it tastes like watered down, vanilla crap. I don't know what crap tastes like, but i'm sure that crap mixed with water and vanilla would taste exactly like this.It sounded like a great idea. I thought it would be a taste of awesomeness. But it wasn't,…

  • One Thing You Need to Make a Difference

    Todd Ruth
    1 Feb 2010 | 10:13 am
    If you want to make a difference...Have More Conversation.If you want to better your marriage...Have More Conversation.If you want to be a better parent...Have More Conversation.If you want to be a better friend...Have More Conversation.I think I need to...Have More Conversation.You? 

  • Smelly Butt

    Todd Ruth
    29 Jan 2010 | 8:59 am
    The other day, I noticed the smell of this animal's butt. It's totally unmistakeable. You know the smell of the skunk as soon as you smell it. And if you're like me, you hate it. The thing is, we all leave our own smell. It's unmistakeable. The question is... is it pleasant, or nasty.

  • Hiding Candy Wrappers

    Todd Ruth
    23 Jan 2010 | 5:00 pm
    The other day, Jami and I found this empty candy wrapper in little Mo's underwear drawer. Our little, cute, adorable two year old stole a peanut butter cup, shoved it in her mouth and hid the trash in her drawer... Like we wouldn't find it! We put her socks and underwear in this drawer. We're constantly in it! We're gonna see her trash. So what did we do? We cleaned the trash out of her drawer. We picked it up and got rid of it. We made her drawer clean. And God does the same thing through Jesus. I've got trash in my drawers. You've got trash in yours. We've all got trash in our lives that…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Food for the Body, Mind & Soul

  • Tips for Nursing Moms to Increase Milk Supply

    Ms. Salubrious
    13 Jan 2010 | 12:34 pm
    After having 3 bundles of joy, 2 of which I struggled in producing enough breast milk for them, I believe the famous quote we all know, could be re-written to say "The way to a BABY's heart is through their stomach". However, many mommies struggle in keeping their babies fully content in their feedings....thus leading to them heading towards the commercial formula aisle.There can be a number of causative factors that will bring about a low milk supply. Stress, inadequate diet, lack of sleep, environmental toxins, imbalanced hormone levels, etc. HOWEVER, the good news is that you do not always…

  • How Blissful the Sound of Two Coinciding Heartbeats....

    Ms. Salubrious
    21 Dec 2009 | 12:07 pm
    Talk to me three weeks ago, and you would find me saying that it was very difficult for me to get through a day without thinking about today's upcoming baby appointment. The thought crossed my mind MULTIPLE times a day. My worry: not hearing a fetal heartbeat and having to go through the similar events in July GOD'S BABY POSTING .....only this time right at Christmas. Having a secret of sadness from relatives, or else feeling obligated to share my sadness story with everyone at such a joyous time!Being a Christian, I know we're supposed to trust God in everything: (Philippians 4:6-7) "Do not…

  • A Story That Touches Deep Within.....

    Ms. Salubrious
    15 Dec 2009 | 6:46 am
    All the following is from this website: KATE MCRAE'S WEBSITE I felt a pull on the heart for this precious little soul! She will be in the hospital for Christmas and the following day, which is her birthday. I will be praying for her as I'm going through my Christmas activities of church, family gatherings and traditions....and hoping that you will join me in prayer for her."June 29, 2009 has forever changed our family. The day continues to bring a torrent of emotions as we recall it, and yet we pray that one day we will recall it knowing it changed us but did not defeat us. It was a Monday…

  • They Brought Forth Gifts of Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh.....

    Ms. Salubrious
    8 Dec 2009 | 11:46 am
    Ms. Salubrious at 5 years of age, belting out something only her heavenly father could be proud of....Most of my memories of the Christmas story are of standing in the foreground of the manger scene as an Angel, singing of the glorious birth of my Savior. The manger scene was so miraculous to me: the animals, the angels, the earthly father and mother, the music that gave me tingles up and down my spine, and of course the baby doll that seemed to be REAL in my eyes. All gathered to celebrate the life sent to us from a loving heavenly father. I remember watching in awe as the 3 wise men walked…

  • A Couple of Favorite Recipes

    Ms. Salubrious
    2 Dec 2009 | 8:30 am
    GUACAMOLE RECIPE1-2 Avocados (mashed with a fork)1 Big Roma Tomato-diced (or 1/2 can diced tomatoes)1/4 yellow onion (chopped finely)1-2 Key Limes-juiced (or else 1 tsp lime juice)Pinch of CuminRedmond Salt to flavorHandful Cilantro (I have made mine without this and it turned out fine!)Mash avocados and add chopped veggies and lime juice....then TRY to stop eating it!!! DEER JERKY MARINADE 1Tb Redmond's salt (sea salt is fine)1/2 c warm water1/3 cup Bragg's Liquid Aminos2/3 cup Worcestershire Sauce1 Tsp-1 Tb course freshly Ground Pepper (depending on how strong you desire it!)1/2 Tb garlic…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    orange county pastor

  • A Sad Night at UCI

    8 Feb 2010 | 9:56 pm
    Michael Oren, Israeli Ambassador to the United States spoke tonight at UC Irvine here in Orange County.His speech was interupted several times by angry Muslim students, leading to 12 arrests.The anger of the protesting students seems strange to many of us in America.But for Muslims and Jews, it is part of the norm after thousands of years of tensions, dating back to Ishmael (who Muslims identify with) and Isaac (who Jews identify with) in Genesis 16:8:"The child grew and was weaned, and on the day Isaac was weaned Abraham held a great feast. 9 But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the…

  • My Sermon from Last Sunday at Calvary Church

    3 Feb 2010 | 9:34 pm
    If you are interested in such things,you can listen to my sermon from last Sunday (1/31) at Calvary Churchby going here.The message is part of our 10 part series we are doing at Calvary on the Book of Genesis called Road Trip: A Journey of Faith.My message is titled, "Road Trip: Grace for the Journey"It is based on the true story of Hagar, Abraham and Sarai from Genesis 16 and 21.Here was my outline from the morning:1. We travel the “Boulevard of Bad Decisions” when we rely on ourselves and not on God.*Genesis 16:1-3a. We doubt God and His word/promises to us (Gen. 3)b. We create man-made…

  • Eric Mason: My Favorite Pastor to Listen to at the Moment

    3 Feb 2010 | 9:22 pm
    Eric Mason is the Lead Pastor at Epiphany Fellowship in Philadelphia, Pa. His sermon podcasts have some of my favorite ones to listen to lately.He received his THM from Dallas Seminary and his Doctorate from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. Eric is an incredible speaker. He will get you rolling with laughter and in the next moment, cut to the heart with conviction. God is using this man in mighty ways.Here is an excerpt from the Mission Statement of Epiphany Fellowship:"We would like to see The Name of Jesus Christ Magnified by the credibility of the Church being reestablished in the…

  • 13 Powerful Words - Romans 12:9

    1 Feb 2010 | 9:20 pm
    "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good."ROMANS 12:9This is the passage I will be teaching on this Tuesday Night at our Young Adult Gathering at Calvary. I had the honor of teaching at both Sunday services at Calvary this past Sunday on Genesis 16. I thought I would be dreading trying to prepare for another sermon just 2 days later after putting in so much mental, emotional, physical and spiritual effort into Sunday's sermons. But just the opposite is true today. I feel really excited to teach on Romans 12:9 Tuesday Night. This passage is incredible:1. It challenges us…

  • Obama's Church Attendance

    29 Jan 2010 | 3:16 pm
    A recent ABC news story reported that President Obama attended Church only 3 times in Washington DC this past year.The story gives an interesting angle on the difficulty on just "showing up" for Church when you are the President of the United States. The Security measures and clearances required for Obama and his family to attend Church delay most Sunday services and cause regular Church members to be left without a seat.Obama tells ABC News he keeps his faith alive through a daily devotional he reads every morning, sent from one of his aides.I am no Obama apologist (What he did to the…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    The Blogging Muse

  • 365 Days of Mission

    5 Feb 2010 | 8:17 am
    364 Days and Acts of Mission, that is for 365 days I will do at lest one act of Mission. Be Missional. As I mentioned Wednesday when I blogged about my new commitment to doing 365 Days & Acts of Love, that it had brought to mind other things I wanted to do for the next year. Project two is 364 Days and Acts of Mission, that is for 365 days I will do at lest one act of Mission. That is the mission of Jesus that was passed on to His people, to His church. Living missional as we say, but now with deliberate actions and intent daily just as I am also pursuing deliberate acts of love each day.

  • 365 Days and Acts of Love: Day 1 ~ Helping My Neighbor With Her Homework

    4 Feb 2010 | 8:16 pm
    I found myself today, all day continual thinking about my 365 days of love commitment. I found myself in the hunt mode, looking for opportunities to do acts of love when I was out today. Day one and amazed at how it has effected my thinking an attitude towards others and life. Unfortunately I was not out much so opportunities where not in abundance. Then the opportunity presented its self, I was able to help my neighbors 10 year old daughter with her homework, she was struggling with her math and in need of help so I decided I’d help her when she asked me to. After working with her for…

  • 365 Days and Acts of Love.

    3 Feb 2010 | 8:09 pm
    After reading of a fellow pastor and his project for the year, I was inspired to join Jaeson Ma in his venture for the year. Although Jaeson has a 32 day head start on me, I have committed to the next year to not only do the same as he. But this has also inspired me to do similar acts that came to mind that I am also starting, more on that this week. I, like Jaeson will attempt to do at lest one random act of kindness to someone each day of the year. That is, 365 acts of love for 365 days of the next year. To be the good Samaritan, to live a life of acts of love for others as Jesus did. It…

  • Who really is a Christian?

    2 Feb 2010 | 4:31 pm
    I recently found out about 3 people from my past, people I have not seen or talked to in over 10 years. Unfortunately I discovered that none of them are still walking with the Lord, in fact two even actively promote false teaching and condemn the bible and church for their teaching. And I can tell you all three lived what all consider a committed Christina life back when I knew them. A friend of mine has also had three friends of his abandon the faith, two turned gay, two denounce Christ and the bible. Two of them lead what all would consider a stiller Christina life prior. That that leads me…

  • Apple iPad Tablet vs The Return of Jesus

    27 Jan 2010 | 8:18 am
    What if Christians where as excited about the coming of Jesus as the world is about the coming Apple Tablet, the church was as passionate about Jesus’ coming as Apple is about their new Tablet. Maybe so would the rest of the world, maybe it would dominate the news like Apple is, blogs would be on fire with the news about the coming phenomenon. Steve Jobs boast the Apple tablet will change the world, the way we live, revolutionize everything we know and do. All that hype for a peace of electronic equipment that really is unnecessary for anyone to have, and it will not really transform…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    A Better Woman

  • Something New

    A Better Woman
    7 Feb 2010 | 7:48 pm
    I think it is about time I add something fun to the blog. I want to try something new. I’m not exactly deviating from the main topic of the blog, but I think it is about time I share something personal from time to time. You know, things that make me laugh, things that make my day. The simple things that make me human. Today I’d like to share a video of a funny vacation rental commercial. The guy in the unitard is really funny. Got me surprised actually when he popped up all of a sudden. Haha. Now that it has me thinking that maybe it is time for me and my family to take some…

  • Psalm 11:7

    A Better Woman
    6 Feb 2010 | 3:00 pm
    ©2010 A Better Woman. All Rights Reserved..

  • Are You A Business-Minded Christian?

    A Better Woman
    12 Sep 2009 | 9:00 pm
    Are you a business-minded Christian? If you answered “Yes” to the question above, then I invite you to my very first FREE eCourse called Business Tips for Christians. The first module, The Perfect Business for Christian Entrepreneurs, is already out and available for download in two formats – PDF and MP3. You can also read the online version or listen to the audio stream / podcast in the module page. Click Here to AccessThe Perfect Business for Christian Entrepreneurs ©2010 A Better Woman. All Rights Reserved..

  • Bible Reading: What Must be Taught to Various Groups

    A Better Woman
    21 Jul 2009 | 3:01 am
    Today I would like to present to you a new section of this blog. My career as a freelancer involves voice recording and podcast production, so I think it is very fitting that I bring my skills and talent into this blog, all for the glory of God, who has given me so much. So here is my first Bible reading podcast. I have already recorded the next few readings so expect to receive video recording updates every Monday. Titus 2 – What Must Be Taught to Various Groups 1You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. 2Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect,…

  • Galatians 5:26

    A Better Woman
    19 Jul 2009 | 5:00 pm
    ©2010 A Better Woman. All Rights Reserved..
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Trinity Presbyterian Church Podcast

  • You Shall Rejoice, You and Your Household

    Pastor Reid Hankins
    7 Feb 2010 | 4:27 pm
    Sermon preached on Deuteronomy 14:22-29 by Rev. W. Reid Hankins during the Morning Service at Trinity Presbyterian Church (OPC) on 02/07/2010 in Novato, CA. Manuscript: You Shall Rejoice, You and Your Household

  • Bible Survey Class – Esther

    Pastor Reid Hankins
    7 Feb 2010 | 4:22 pm
    Adult Sunday School class led by Rev. W. Reid Hankins at Trinity Presbyterian Church (OPC) on 02/07/2010 in Novato, CA.  This week we continued our Bible Survey class, looking at the book of Esther.

  • A Holy People To The Lord

    Pastor Reid Hankins
    31 Jan 2010 | 2:53 pm
    Sermon preached on Deuteronomy 14:1-21 by Rev. W. Reid Hankins during the Morning Service at Trinity Presbyterian Church (OPC) on 01/31/2009 in Novato, CA. We apologize for the inconvenience, but due to technical difficulties, this week’s sermon did not record in its entirety. Manuscript: A Holy People To The Lord

  • Bible Survey Class – Ezra & Nehemiah

    Pastor Reid Hankins
    31 Jan 2010 | 2:51 pm
    Adult Sunday School class led by Rev. W. Reid Hankins at Trinity Presbyterian Church (OPC) on 01/31/2010 in Novato, CA.  This week we continued our Bible Survey class, looking at the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.

  • Hold Fast To Him

    Pastor Reid Hankins
    24 Jan 2010 | 8:52 pm
    Sermon preached on Deuteronomy 13 by Rev. W. Reid Hankins during the Morning Service at Trinity Presbyterian Church (OPC) on 01/24/2009 in Novato, CA. Manuscript: Hold Fast To Him
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Vision Baptist

  • The Bigger Picture

    Trent Cornwell
    9 Feb 2010 | 5:21 am
    Post originally posted by Ben Johnson on the Vision Couples Blog Hopefully you are well aware that we are in our second week of our Unfailing Love challenge at church. As you may know, this series is based on looking at God’s attributes and putting them into our marriage. You may have looked at all that we are doing and some of it may seem a little corny. However, the fact of the matter is that looking at God’s attributes then applying them in our lives is the foundation for not only a victorious Christian life but also for a lasting marriage. But why should we have a lasting marriage?

  • Sin makes the heart grow cold!

    gardner@bcwe.org
    8 Feb 2010 | 11:12 am
    Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. Do we ever consider that every time we let sin in our hearts we are allowing our love for the Lord Jesus to grow colder. We are not careful about what we watch on TV. We are not careful about our jokes. We are not careful about our entertainment. Each time we allow junk into our lives it causes sin to abound. As there gets to be more and more sin then we love Jesus less. I think that today there is a call to turn from sin to Him. To decide that He is better than anything else to us. Many of these sins may not be…

  • Welcoming our newest member!

    gardner@bcwe.org
    7 Feb 2010 | 11:35 am
    God blessed us with a wonderful new family today. Warren and Judy Frick became members of Vision. They are very godly people with many years in the ministry. Brother Warren has pastored for 22 years. I am sure that they are going to be greatly used in our church. Join me in welcoming them into our church!

  • Week 2 / Eternally Forgiving

    Trent Cornwell
    7 Feb 2010 | 4:40 am
    This week the couples of Vision are looking to magnify God’s attribute of being “eternally forgiving” in their marriage. You might say that marriage is a snow globe for God’s love towards the church. We believe that many of the issues our country is facing could be remedied by more people seeing the love of God in the marriages of Christian people. This week we are going to live out some challenges that are going to help us in the area of forgiveness. Choose a topic that has been the cause of bitterness, resentment, or unforgiveness and write your thoughts on the…

  • Sad money

    gardner@bcwe.org
    7 Feb 2010 | 4:29 am
    Matthew 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Amazing that a man would let money keep him from God. This young man comes to Jesus. He wants to know and please God. He answers all the questions right. He is sure that Jesus is going to be pleased. But then Jesus touches the part of him that is most precious. He lets him know that he will have to love God more than he does his money. The young man so “desperately” wants to know God but not at that price. He goes away sad. He would have loved to meet God on his own terms…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Pilgrimage of the Heart

  • Are There Movies In Heaven?

    7 Feb 2010 | 4:00 pm
    Twitter friend PastorElvis (not his real name, unfortunately) asked me the following question this morning:   I know God loves country music but does "he" allow tv and movies in heaven...one thing I would really really miss.   First of all, I contend with the idea that God Almighty loves country music. He is most definitely a hardcore Led Zeppelin fan.   Second, I thought that this was a provocative question, because it raised a deeper question: Why do we watch movies and TV shows?   My wife and I spent the weekend mostly "vegging out" to Redbox movies and reruns of The…

  • Haiti Doesn't Need Your Pity

    5 Feb 2010 | 4:00 pm
    They say that Haiti should be pitied.    They say that we should feel bad for all those "poor, starving people" over there. They say that the destruction caused by this awful earthquake can never be redeemed, that Haiti will never be what it could have been. They say that tens of thousands of children are now orphaned, the economy is in shambles, and some people may never recover. But I've been hearing different reports...     They say that God has cursed Haiti and abandoned it.   They say that all our good intentions to help this nation may not actually work. They…

  • A Million Miles In a Thousand Years: Donald Miller and Story

    4 Feb 2010 | 4:00 pm
    I read Donald Miller's newest book A Million Miles in a Thousand Years a couple of months ago. It's about time that I shared my thoughts, since I co-authored the book. (Kidding! But there's a funny story behind that.) I both loved and hated it.   I loved that Don challenged his readers to live a more interesting story.   I hated some of the flaws of the entertainment industry that were revealed. Okay, part of me kind of enjoyed this, but it also made me sad. The first part of the book is about how Don and a couple of screenwriters are trying to turn Blue Like Jazz into a movie and,…

  • Social Justice Can Cost You Your Soul

    3 Feb 2010 | 4:00 pm
    If you're not careful, this whole fad of caring for the poor and doing good works for the destitute can cost you your soul.   I know that sounds melodramatic, but it's true. In fact, I've seen it happen many times -- in my life and in the lives of my friends. Good works has become an obsession; the doing has replaced the being that is so necessary in the Christian life. We can be tempted to not act out of faith in what God will do, but instead out of fear that he won't do something. Instead of abiding in the vine, we try to make fruit spontaneously spring from desolate earth.   It…

  • Mission Trips for Your Teen or College Student

    2 Feb 2010 | 4:00 pm
    I have a meeting with a college pastor this afternoon to discuss an upcoming spring break mission trip for his group. From the sound of it, many of the students haven't had much missions experience. It got me thinking about how important it is for teenagers and college students to learn how to serve on a mission trip, to have their faith and worldview stretched to the absolute max.   This season can be a busy one for us at Adventures In Missions (AIM). People start thinking about what they're doing for the summer, and we tend to fill up a lot of our mission trips. As an organization,…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    LifeVesting

  • When Your Passion – And Your Religion – is a Liar

    Andy Wood
    8 Feb 2010 | 10:26 pm
    “If only I could build an exit ramp.  Something that would allow me to escape the rules and the never-ending expectations.  Why doesn’t he realize that I’m just not cut out for this kind of life?  That he and I would both be happier if I were on my own?”  Sound familiar?  It should.  Thoughts like that are repeated daily, as people try to define freedom in their own terms.  We all long for authentic freedom – the power to make choices yourself, and joyfully live with the consequences.  The good news of our relationship with Christ is that He came to set captives free!

  • Fish for Breakfast: What Jesus Did With a Disgraced Leader

    Andy Wood
    6 Feb 2010 | 11:50 pm
    I think I’ve found another reason to identify with Simon Peter, that famous-for-so-many-reasons disciple of Jesus.  I can already relate to the fact that I feel like I’m supposed to be the first to show off when I think I know the answer to a question. I can so relate when it comes to answering supernatural statements with in-the-natural answers or observations. Most of all, I can relate to wanting so bad for my screw-ups to be the secret kind, only to have them aired out for the whole dang world to see. But there’s another characteristic I see in this impetuous, impulsive,…

  • So Change It! Eight Steps to Making a Difference, Beginning Where You Are

    Andy Wood
    4 Feb 2010 | 11:01 pm
    I want to take you to a place where, frankly, we aren’t invited.  For just a minute, let’s be one of “those” people we often gripe about – those rubberneckers on the highway, who seem fascinated with somebody else’s messes.   In this case, we’re creeping up to a closed bedroom door, where on the other side, we can hear muffled sobs.  A man’s sobs. A few days ago, somebody from home had rocked his world.  The news was bad, and every ounce of optimism he once had was crushed. You should have been here yesterday.  He was really blubbering then.  And he will be again…

  • Bread in My Oven: Seven Half-baked Ideas I’m Working On

    Andy Wood
    2 Feb 2010 | 10:15 pm
    No telling how many times I’ve said to someone, “Put this in your oven and let it bake for a while,” or “I don’t have this all sorted out yet – it’s still in the oven.” I thought I’d share some of the “bread” that’s in my oven right now.  Here are seven half-baked, half-raw ideas I’m heating up.  I may toss ‘em.  I may cook ‘em up.  Put them in your oven too, and let’s see what comes out.  You can help, if you’d like, by sharing your thoughts in the comments below. There is no such thing as a porcelain healer.  There are expert healers, wounded…

  • What if “All” Means ALL?

    Andy Wood
    31 Jan 2010 | 10:23 pm
    Take a look at this, and read it thoughtfully.  As you do, count the number of times the words “all” or “every” appear. The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All you have made will praise you, O Lord; your saints will extol you. They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Shawn Wood Writes...

  • Design Matters

    ShawnWood
    5 Feb 2010 | 12:39 pm
    Design really does matter. Being the “Good enough” guy I know you probably think I would prefer sharpie on a napkin (and I would if it were more effective) but what I have learned is that good design enhances everything it touches. 1.  It feels better. Good design makes us feel better.  We are more relaxed when something is clean, colors compliment each other and things are layed out in a readable way.  When things are cluttered we are not as likely to respond with the intended emotion. Design Matters. 2.  It focuses us on the most important thing. Good design gets lost in…

  • You shall allow people to live in a world they create

    ShawnWood
    4 Feb 2010 | 6:20 am
    I am honored to be featured as a guest blogger over on Steve Fogg’s blog today.  Here is an excerpt, make sure and check the whole thing out as well as the entire communication commandment’s series. 5th Commandment: You shall allow people to live in a world they help create. The first mistake of most communications professionals is to write a policy manual.  Policies are an admission that we cannot lead and really, who reads them anyway?  In our context at Seacoast Church, a multi-site church with 13 campuses and more on the way, I have made that mistake in so many unique…

  • Put action to your dream

    ShawnWood
    1 Feb 2010 | 5:00 am
    I have heard it said that a goal with no deadline is simply a day-dream.  day-dreams are  ok at first , but become useless, discouraging and destructive to your creativity if you never act on any of them.  Dont day-dream but instead put action to your dream. 1.  Evaluate the dream.  Is this something that is worth you putting a deadline on.  If not ditch it to a “someday/maybe” folder and get it out of your system. 2.  Empower the dream.  This one is hard, but if your dream is important enough and something that is worth doing ask the hard question, “Am I the best…

  • FREE Graphic Design Services

    ShawnWood
    26 Jan 2010 | 5:00 am
    If you read this blog I probably do not have to tell you how important great design is.  Great design work can make the difference in effective marketing pieces, overall experience during the weekend and quite honestly can be the divide between someone making their next step towards Christ. Does your church or ministry area need professional quality custom graphic design?  Are you a little afraid to try out a new designer or maybe you are a designer and slightly hesitant to outsource because of the risk and budget. Well that risk has never been more affordable.  Curtis, owner and…

  • Win a FREE sermon transcript

    ShawnWood
    25 Jan 2010 | 8:37 am
    I have talked before about the awesomeness of having a transcript of your sermons here.  In this digital age I honestly believe that every pastor should have a volunteer do this or pay someone (Ginger is awesome if you want it done right) One of my blog partner, Digital Sermon Transcription is doing a giveaway to peak your interest.  Here is what you need to do to win a FREE transcript to test their services: 1.  Click on the ad to the left of this post.  You should always know what you are winning. 2.  Comment in this post with: Name Church Title email address or twitter name (so we…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    blog.worship.com

  • Sideliners

    The Editors
    9 Feb 2010 | 5:21 am
    We are so utterly ordinary, so commonplace, while we profess to know a Power the Twentieth Century does not reckon with. But we are "harmless," and therefore unharmed. We are spiritual pacifists, non-militants, conscientious objectors in this battle-to-the-death with principalities and powers in high places. Meekness must be had for contact with men, but brass, outspoken boldness is required to... To read more, download file, or view content with active links, please click on the original link above. Or, if viewing through facebook, please click "View Original Post" below.

  • False Faith

    The Editors
    8 Feb 2010 | 4:32 pm
    From our friend Boyd Bailey at Wisdom Hunters: In the last days there will be those who use religion for their own ends. So beware, and not waste your time with counterfeit Christ followers. Their insincere efforts will only ensnare your time and money. Unfortunately, phony disciples easily dupe the weak in faith, and when they finally wake up dazed and disillusioned, they walk away from God. So,... To read more, download file, or view content with active links, please click on the original link above. Or, if viewing through facebook, please click "View Original Post" below.

  • God is a Lot Bigger Than I Thought He Was

    The Editors
    8 Feb 2010 | 5:28 am
    If you've never stood before God and been afraid, then you've probably never stood before the real God. (It doesn't end there--with fear--but that's where it starts.) I used to think that God was nice and safe. Now I know that he is scary... ...God is scary...really scary. So be afraid...be very afraid. Why do you think the Scriptures say no one has ever seen the face of God? Why do you think... To read more, download file, or view content with active links, please click on the original link above. Or, if viewing through facebook, please click "View Original Post" below.

  • Watch the first Tim Tebow commercial

    The Editors
    7 Feb 2010 | 1:16 pm
    Turns out the Tebow commercial is actually a two-parter, and the first part has already aired on CBS. The second part will air during the first quarter. Here is the first commercial. To read more, download file, or view content with active links, please click on the original link above. Or, if viewing through facebook, please click "View Original Post" below.

  • So Long, Insecurity: You've Been a Bad Friend to Us

    The Editors
    6 Feb 2010 | 12:57 pm
    Author and frequent Passion speaker Beth Moore has a new book out, entitled So Long, Insecurity: You've Been a Bad Friend to Us . From Publisher's Weekly: ...the topic is insecurity, and the content, she admits, is close to an autobiography. Moore, always transparent with her own personal struggles, is refreshingly so throughout this text...Moore exposes the many faces of female... To read more, download file, or view content with active links, please click on the original link above. Or, if viewing through facebook, please click "View Original Post" below.
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    ReelWorship

  • Women Who Fear God Ministries

    Cedrick Stewart
    Just finishing up a Wordpress site - Women Who Fear God Ministries dot com. The site came out pretty well over all, still learning the in and outs of wordpress , training the owner how to use the site has been fun.

  • Our Amazon List

    Colin Britton
    We have recently added an amazon widget to our template. This is enable us to promote media items that the community recommends. If you have a favorite book or CD that you would like to share with others through this widget then drop me a message and let me know. The commissions from sales made on Amazon will help support the ReelWorship work. Colin Britton cbritton@reelworship.com

  • When God Tells Us That He Loves Us...

    Robert Williams
    I was watching Kim Walker sing "How He Loves" on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoC1ec-lYps It is a very powerful video. You can sense the humility and worship as they sing and praise from an overflowing heart about the beauty of God's love toward us. The first line of the song really stood out to me: "He is jealous for me, Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree, Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy." My mind immediately went to Exodus 20, when the children of Israel were entering into their marriage covenant with Yahveh at Mt. Sinai. After declaring Who He is and commanding…

  • Good News , download free christian video backgrounds here! , free christian stuff , motion graphics

    Bagga
    Everyone can watch and download free christian video background loops here, best for small churchs , worship prayers , presentations , christian short films , songs titles , jesus christ , christmas mother mary special video background for christmas presentation use. all stuff is free to use. FREE CHRISTIAN TUBE

  • I am...

    Caroline
    I am the Technical Co-ordinator for i-church (www.i-church.org), an online Christian community that is rooted in the diocese of Oxford, but has members all over the world, and from many denominations. I am responsible for setting up and maintaining our websites, and also for setting up the resources we use for special projects - Advent and Lent have been the main two in the past year (they can be seen at http://www.i-church.org/adventcalendar/ http://www.i-church.org/publicforums/6lent.php" and http://i-church.org/wpmu/HolyWeek/). Our members contribute to these events, but I am the fallback…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Reformation21

  • Reflections on Rome Part 1: Connecting the Mind and the Tongue

    25 Jan 2010 | 10:41 am
    I have spent most of my life connected in some sense to Rome.  At school and then at university, I was a Classics man.  I preferred Greek tragedy to Roman comedy; but when it came to history, politics, poetry and oratory, I was a Rome man.  Julius Caesar, Vergil, and, above all, the great Cicero, were the figures who dominated my imagination.  Then, as I moved beyond undergraduate studies into the field of Reformation history for my Ph.D., Rome was still dominant; not this time the machinations of the senate, the declamations of Cicero, or the poetic escapades of Aeneas,…

  • A Response to Paul Helm

    20 Jan 2010 | 10:50 am
    Paul Helm has recently reviewed J. I. Packer and the Evangelical Future (Ed. Timothy George [Baker]) on his website, Helm's Deep. The book contained a chapter written by Carl Trueman somewhat critical of Packer's ecclesiology and infamous quarrel with Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Helm (as the hyperlink above will show) disagrees with Trueman's point of view and Dr. Helm has kindly agreed to allow us to post a response by Trueman (below). Readers are advised to read Helm's analysis first and then Trueman's response. Don't you love a spat between two Englishmen?  -- Derek ThomasIt is always a…

  • A Theology of John's Gospel and Letters

    12 Jan 2010 | 7:43 am
    A Theology of John's Gospel and LettersBy: Andreas J. Kostenberger652p.Zondervan (2009)When I began undertaking a writing project on the seven signs of John's Gospel my first instinct was to review everything Andreas Kostenberger had written on the subject.  In my opinion (and many others more erudite than myself), when it comes to the Johannine studies there is no finer conservative evangelical scholar to turn to than Dr. Kostenberger.  His latest contribution, A Theology of John's Gospel and Letters, only serves to further substantiate his preeminence in the field.General…

  • The Manliness of Adoption: Testosterone and Pure Religion

    11 Jan 2010 | 8:46 am
    "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." James 1:27 (ESV)It was third grade and I was watching the events unfold. One kid, twice the size of a normal third grader, was picking on my friend who was on the opposite end of the size spectrum. As I sized up what was going on I feared my friend was about to be on the receiving end of a large knuckle sandwich. I decided not to let that happen. I went over stepped in front of my friend, and said, "Leave him alone."  The…

  • The Joy of the Reformed

    29 Dec 2009 | 6:28 pm
    I wasn't born and raised in the Reformed church.  In other words, I am a Reformed immigrant.  Like many people in the Reformed church today, I migrated out of broad based evangelicalism and non-denominationalism.  Many of my friends, both ministers and laypeople, have had similar immigration experiences.  Recently, at the funeral of my father-in-law, I had the opportunity to get reacquainted with many of my Reformed immigrant friends.  Much to my surprise, I found myself having a very similar conversation with this group.  They shared with me that they felt like…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Desperate for More of Him

  • God Making All Things New

    mom2olivia
    31 Jan 2010 | 2:19 pm
    I haven’t been on my blog for awhile, and after seeing a few new comments trickling in on some of my posts I knew I wanted to get back into it, but I just didn’t have anything that I felt led to share; until today.  Today was a really good day at church, but I didn’t realize it’s gravity until I was sitting at home hours later and looking back on how God orchestrated everything.  I’ve been trying to let go of allot of old hurts that haven’t seemed as though they would never heal.  I have prayed, I have surrendered, and made some pretty big deals with God if he’d…

  • Being Busy-It’s the devil’s favorite tactic

    mom2olivia
    15 Dec 2009 | 10:36 am
    The devil is out to seek, kill and destroy. He wants to steal our peace and fill us with anything that is not from God. As I pondered and reveled in my onw peace today, I was reminded of how the devil works in so many peoples lives to keep them busy and thus being able to get their focus off of God and onto other things that don’t matter. May it help you to re-focus on the things of God and take your eyes of the things of the world, which is not our home and is fleeting. Blessings and peace. The Devil’s Convention: Author Unknown Satan called a worldwide convention. In his opening…

  • Thankful Obedience

    mom2olivia
    25 Nov 2009 | 8:14 pm
    I have spent a good part of  the day trying to organize my thoughts; there are so many.  In doing so, I started to become a wee bit discouraged and had to place myself back at the feet of Jesus.  It’s really the only good place to be when I seem to have used up my own strength once again.  I talked to him about my hopes and fears and whatever ever he’d have me to do with my gifts, just to make sure that I am always doing it for his glory and not mine.  I tried to read my devotions to hear him speak, but it proved fruitless at the time.  As I was paging through my Bible,…

  • Remember and Persevere

    mom2olivia
    19 Nov 2009 | 6:50 am
    Hebrews 10:32-39 (New International Version)  32Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. 33Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. 35So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36You need to persevere so that when you…

  • Encouragement When We Are Faced With The Life Questions of WHY??‏

    mom2olivia
    12 Nov 2009 | 11:49 am
    God has a way of bringing me back down to reality as soon as I get a little cocky; and today was one of those days. In my walk, and now in Seminary my eyes are constantly being re-focused. There are many days, even in the midst’s of my own struggles and trials, I can find that I am flying high with my Spiritual gifts of faith and encouragement, and don’t get shaken by too much. But today my heart was broken when I got an update from a friends daughter who is 2, has recently been diagnosed with leukemia and now is undergoing long-term treatment in the hospital. Things like this…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Kingdom Calling Advisors

  • Two Types of Leverage

    Wes Bridel
    9 Feb 2010 | 3:00 am
    1) Leveraging other people – Let’s say that you have assets to invest, but aren’t sure what to invest in.  You have a friend who has expertise in a particular field but can’t capitalize on it as much as the potential is there for without more capital.  You can each leverage what the other has to bring more value to the market and more income or capital gains to yourselves.  Both parties win.  Of course, the flip side to this is that if something goes wrong, it could potentially be within the area of expertise of your partner and thus somewhat out of your control.  Of course,…

  • When Analyzing an Investment, What are the Underlying Economic Principles that Make it Work?

    Wes Bridel
    8 Feb 2010 | 3:00 am
    Don't jump into an investment just because it sounds excitng if you are buying above the true value of the investment. Every investment opportunity, financial product, or business opportunity must take advantage of economic principles to be successful.  It’s important for you to understand what these are so you have a basis for knowing the dynamics  involved in bringing success to your overall financial planning. Whether you’re looking at a real estate, stock, bond, gold, silver, hard money, or any other investment, you should understand the principles you expect to be at work to…

  • Economic Update & Financial Forecast

    Wes Bridel
    4 Feb 2010 | 3:00 am
    Today we’re posting the first economic update video after shooting The Coming Storm in November.  If you have not seen The Coming Storm, you can do so for free by clicking HERE.  It is an indepth look at the economic and spiritual season that we are entering.  You really should make it a priority to see this so that you are not caught by suprise and are actually prepared.  This update is the first in what will be a periodical series detailing events as they transpire.  Many big changes are happening in the world right now and the news is available, but you won’t usually see…

  • How Do You Decide if an Investment is Right for You?

    Wes Bridel
    3 Feb 2010 | 3:00 am
    It’s easy to decide not to invest in an investment opportunity if it doesn’t sound good right off that bat.  But what if it does sound good?  Most investments proposed to you will likely sound compelling or the person telling you about it wouldn’t be doing so.  So how do you decide if you should move forward with this hot stock tip or that “can’t miss” real estate venture? Obviously you want to pray and seek the Lord’s guidance in any decision. Sometimes He’ll make the decision clear and easy.  But often, He leaves it up to you to work through the decision.  At that…

  • How Can You be a Better Investor?

    Wes Bridel
    2 Feb 2010 | 3:00 am
    What is the best way for you to build up your investments? We are starting a new series with the goal of making you a better investor.  We expect this to be a long topic and perhaps it will actually be more like a series of topics, but wanted to give you an idea of where we’re going.  We haven’t written this material yet, so it can certainly veer from these ideas, but we’ve put together a rough outline and thought you’d like to see it. It’s important to know the difference between having a macro (or top down) investing style versus a micro (or bottom up) investing style and the…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    exegeek::godmatic

  • The Top 5 Christian Facebook Fan Pages That Need Starting

    Jeremymcnabb
    1 Feb 2010 | 9:00 am
    I’ve noticed a trend, especially among teens, to employ the “Become a fan” feature of Facebook to become a fan of all sorts of things, like “HAHAHA omg yeah i remember that!” “uhmm you werent there…” and Deleting everything you’ve typed cause you saw the other person was typing. I think it’s funny. So here is a list of the Top 5 Christian Facebook Fan Pages that need starting. #5. “Telling someone you’re ‘pan-trib’ when they ask what you think about the Book of Revelation. #4. “Finding messianic allegories in movies, novels, and music, so…

  • Blog!

    Jeremymcnabb
    31 Jan 2010 | 9:30 am
     I just wanted to take a moment to point out the new “Share” feature at the bottom of the page. For the last year or so, I’ve had to painstakingly code a new one for every blog entry. For the last few months, I’ve dreaded every new post, because I knew it would mean spending thirty minutes copying and pasting HTML into the entry. But no more! Thanks to Add To Any, it’s all automatic! So please, share what you read on Facebook and Twitter and whereever else you frequent. Thanks!

  • Theological Shorthand

    Jeremymcnabb
    30 Jan 2010 | 4:12 pm
    John Wesley once said the following: ‘To say, “This man is an Arminian,” has the same effect on many hearers as to say “This man is a mad dog.” It puts them into a fright at once: they run away from him with all speed and diligence; and will hardly stop, unless it will be to throw a stone at the dreadful and mischievous animal. The more unintelligible the word is, the better it answers the purpose. Those on whom it is fixed do not know what to do; not understanding what it means, they cannot tell what defense to make, or how to clear themselves from the charge. And it is not easy to…

  • Raptor Jesus

    Jeremymcnabb
    17 Jan 2010 | 8:16 pm
    The next time someone tries to convince me that Jesus was married, based on the logic that nowhere in the bible does it say that Jesus was not married, I’m posting this.

  • Fist-bumping Mannequins

    Jeremymcnabb
    12 Jan 2010 | 9:01 pm
    Today, I was standing in line at one of our town’s many thrift stores, waiting to purchase a few old second-hand theological books, and a mint copy of a Cabbage Patch storybook (all of which I direly needed), when a kid comes walking in the door. If I had to guess, I’d say he was about ten to twelve years old, and from his swagger, I’d guess that he was either very popular, or wanted to be. I watched him cross the room, and as he passed a row of mannequins, he did something rather odd. If you’ve read the title, you know what that is. He looked around, I assume to make sure no one was…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    AGBM Blog

  • Using a Wireless Microphone? Read This!

    8 Feb 2010 | 9:56 am
    Roy Halberg, pastor of the Alta Loma (CA) Grace Brethren Church suggests the following may be good information for Grace Brethren churches to know:Operation of Wireless Microphones in 700 MHz Band Prohibited After June 12, 2010Robert Johnson from the Bellflower GBC sent this to me.This would be a good thing to send out to ministerium members.The 700MHz frequency range will be in use by emergency personnel startingJune 12. If churches are using this range of wireless frequency after June12, they could be fined.http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/wirelessmic_advisory.htmlGordon Austin, of…

  • Pray for David Plaster

    6 Feb 2010 | 5:18 pm
    David Plaster, pastor of the Grace Brethren Church of Columbus (Worthington), Ohio, has been experiencing health issues this past week. This notice from his daughter was sent as a prayer request from Grace College & Seminary, Plaster's previous employer: "Dad has been in the hospital for over a week and they have been running tests due to weakness in his left side. He has spots of inflammation on the brain. . . right side which caused the left side weakness. Treatment was started. Pray treatment will be successful." Subscribe in a reader

  • Praying for Pastors' Wives

    3 Feb 2010 | 5:56 am
    The following information has come to the Winona Lake office:Pray for Ed Waken and his wife, Debbie: Debbie will begin chemotherapy on Feb 12th along with a drug therapy called Herceptin (specific to her cancer which is an aggressive form), then we will have radiation as 'dessert' :-) So 2010 will be full of things such as these for the Waken clan. Thanks for praying and I too missed you all earlier this week at Focus...Pray for Oscar Chavez and his wife, Pat: Pat had surgery last week and will be recovering over the next six weeks Subscribe in a reader

  • Preparing for Easter Church Guests

    2 Feb 2010 | 4:23 pm
    From Baptist Press:FIRST-PERSON: Preparing for Easter church guests Diana Davis INDIANAPOLIS (BP)--You've inundated your town with prayer and printed invitations to worship at your church on Easter. The nationwide GPS (God's Plan for Sharing) media blitz has reinforced those efforts. You have a sudden, terrifying thought ... "What if they all show up?!" My husband often says, "You get what you get ready for." Need fresh ideas for getting ready?PREPARE FOR THE MASSES-- Update website, guest packets, directional signage and first-time-guest parking spaces.-- Make the church facilities sparkle;…

  • Pastor Donald Abshire, Roanoke, With the Lord

    2 Feb 2010 | 9:43 am
    Pastor Dan Gillette, Secretary of Blue Ridge District Ministerium of the Grace Brethren Churches, has alerted us to the following:Rev. Jesse Donald Abshire Sr., 87, of Boones Mill, Va., went to be with our Lord on Monday, February 1, 2010, after several years of illness. He was born on October 4, 1922. He was preceded in death by his parents, John L. and Delia Abshire, also of Boones Mill. Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Colleen Trent Abshire; his son, J.D. Abshire and wife, Debbie; his daughter, Yvonne and husband, Donnie Hodges; grandchildren, Beth Anne Deems and husband, Michael, Naomi…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    The Project

  • Conflict & Redemption

    Cory
    7 Feb 2010 | 3:12 am
    I recently watched Yes Man. It wasn’t an overly interesting movie, nor was it particularly funny. Like most popular movies, it had its moments (most of which were featured in the trailer), but just like the rest of them, its was cliché and numbingly predictable. Call me cynical, but I am becoming increasingly irritated at how easy it is to anticipate plot, and sometimes even dialogue. The only saving grace for me was the charm and talent of Zooey Deschanel, an actor deserving of more worthy roles. I’m not picking on Yes Man, all you have to do is pick up a romantic comedy and 9…

  • Your voice has been heard

    Cory
    1 Feb 2010 | 3:01 am
    Kraft Update from the Global Poverty Project: Kraft has promised to honour Cadbury’s current commitments to use Fairtrade cocoa beans in the dairy milk range now being sold in the UK, New Zealand, Australian and Canada. Our campaign to Tell Kraft: “Keep Cadbury’s Commitment” has been a great success: messages from over 1,300 supporters were passed on to the CEO of Kraft, Irene Rosenfeld. Despite this success, our work is not yet over. Kraft has not confirmed whether they will continue Cadbury’s ongoing talks to expand its use of Fairtrade cocoa beans to other products. There is…

  • Happy Invasion Day

    Cory
    25 Jan 2010 | 5:47 pm
    I posted this note last January 26 and I’m going to re-post it today as my opinion hasn’t changed about this day. What is Australia Day? What exactly are we celebrating? Well, officially, the day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788; it marks the beginning of British colonisation of Australia. But can I ask a question? At the risk of being burned at the stake for sounding unpatriotic, is it possible not to be proud of the history of one’s country? Particularly when that history involves the story of brutal exploitation, murder, oppression and forced resettlement.

  • Change the World Mondays (16)

    Cory
    24 Jan 2010 | 6:34 pm
    Keep Kraft Accountable From the Global Poverty Project: Before Kraft’s take-over bid, Cadbury had made one of the largest Fairtrade commitments – their whole Dairy Milk range would go Fairtrade by Easter 2010. Cadbury estimate that by 2018 their Fairtrade partnership and Cadbury Cocoa Partnership will make a demonstrable difference to the lives of around half a million cocoa farmers. We need your help to hold Kraft to Cadbury’s important commitments. On Tuesday 19 January 2010, the Cadbury board agreed to recommend a $19.6 billion bid by Kraft to shareholders, paving the way…

  • Kony & the Big Bucks

    Cory
    22 Jan 2010 | 12:11 am
    $1 Million would go a long way towards bringing Joseph Kony to justice and rescuing his child soldiers. Want to make that happen without giving a cent or hardly lifting a finger? ‘JP Morgan Chase Bank‘, through ‘Chase Community Giving‘ is donating $1 Million to the charity that receives the most votes on their Facebook page in the next 24 hours. Vote here for Invisible Children: http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/598099
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Connecting to Impact

  • Patience & Looooongsuffering

    8 Feb 2010 | 9:09 pm
    Since this post is supposed to cover Patience (for the ‘One Word at a Time’ Blog Carnival), I wondered what else I had to say. I covered patience for a week in January. I didn’t want to just retread what I had written in Patience Sandwich, What Kind of Dog Are You?, and I Won’t Pray for Patience. Not that I’ve received all this, but God has put this whole virtue of patience in front of me and I’m trying to walk it out more and more. What else can I say about patience? The word that was whispered to my heart as I pondered all this came clearly: longsuffering. In most circles in…

  • The Exciting World of Budgets

    8 Feb 2010 | 6:31 am
    I've been thinking about this for a while and I can recognize when I need help. I love talking about spiritual things and how they relate and apply to our everyday lives, but this isn’t one of those posts.  I’m hoping for some practical advice and hoping you will share your thoughts with me. I’ll start with my confession: I do not live on a budget.  That’s not to say we don’t watch where we spend things and have general ideas of where money goes, but we have no system to actually track our spending. I have no problem creating budgets. I have used multiple means from…

  • Light Friday Hit List: 2/5/10

    5 Feb 2010 | 6:20 am
    Great week on and off the blog! I have tried to share my heart with the Why I Want You at Church series, and I have so appreciated the response.  This is besides the book giveaway for Mad Church Disease by Anne Jackson and the announcement that Sarah Salter and I are starting a book club. Lots of exciting things going on! We have come to Fridays and as usual, I have a list of favorites for you (although there’s nothing ‘usual’ about these great entries).  Read and enjoy! Favorite Funny Thoughts: 5 Things if Apple Ran the Church by Brett Barner Favorite Double Team: Do You Ever…

  • Why I Want You at Church (Part 3)

    4 Feb 2010 | 6:42 am
    We've come to the end of a three part series where I’m trying to put into words why it’s a big deal for you to show up for church. You're wisdom, insight, and encouragement over these posts has been very much appreciated!  If you haven't already, you can read Part 1 here and Part 2 here (Don't forget the book giveaway for Mad Church Disease too). As I started this out, I told you that these ideas and thoughts are interrelated.  Today’s post may not be the most important. In fact it’s arguably the least important compared to doing everything for Jesus and reaching…

  • Book Giveaway: Mad Church Disease

    3 Feb 2010 | 7:51 am
    I have been so pleased with the insight, wisdom, and encouragement I’ve heard from the comments with my last few posts. So thank you all!  The final in the series will be here tomorrow, but I am interrupting Why I Want You at Church because I have some huge announcements that are a little anticlimactic if you happened to read the title of this post. Yes, I’m doing a book giveaway of Anne Jackson’s book, Mad Church Disease: Overcoming the Burnout Epidemic. This book digs into the causes, symptoms, and solutions for the challenges of church work and the tendency for burnout. Anne…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Family Research Council Blog

  • Tebow ad: Why the hype?

    Jeanne Monahan
    8 Feb 2010 | 1:08 pm
    In the wake of the controversy surrounding the Tebow’s pro-life commercial during the Superbowl, I have to admit that my immediate reaction when it finally aired was: Really? What was all the hype about? Let me be clear that I was very impressed by the Tebow ad. Rather, my reaction was in response to the numerous op-eds written about this short little spot in addition to the major campaign waged by pro-abortion groups against CBS and the Tebows over the last few weeks. Perhaps the most humorous (and disturbing) comment about the Tebow commercial yet is Terry O’Neill of NOW accusing the…

  • “Please don’t kill the child. I want the child. Please give me the child.”

    Cathy Ruse
    4 Feb 2010 | 7:41 pm
    Following on Bob Morrison’s post on the President’s National Prayer Breakfast remarks, read Mother Teresa’s speech, reprinted below in full. It is beautiful, and in it three times she calls abortion the greatest destroyer of peace: On the last day, Jesus will say to those on His right hand, “Come, enter the Kingdom. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was sick and you visited me.” Then Jesus will turn to those on His left hand and say, “Depart from me because I was hungry and you did not feed me, I was thirsty and…

  • Staggering Increase in Education Spending for 2011

    Chris Gacek
    4 Feb 2010 | 11:15 am
    Well, I checked the facts, and the Politico was correct.  I only doubted the reporting due to the massive amount of President Obama’s proposed increase in education spending.  Could it possibly be true?  Tuesday’s February 2nd Politico column by Eamon Javers and James Hohman on the newly released proposed federal budget contained this text on one of the “Winners” – Education: Obama calls for ramped-up education spending. Department of Education outlays would increase from $32.4 billion in 2009 to $71.5 billion in 2011. Obama puts money into a laundry list of initiatives, from a…

  • Words and Deeds at the National Prayer Breakfast

    Robert Morrison
    4 Feb 2010 | 8:34 am
    President Obama’s powerful words at today’s National Prayer Breakfast were rightly examined by my dear colleague, Cathy Ruse. How can the same man who wants to force us to pay for the slaughter of innocents seem so convincing? He is surely right to say we must see the face of God in our fellow human beings. We must. Does he? Abraham Lincoln said it well in 1858. He said the Founders believed that “nothing stamped in the divine image was sent into the world to be trod upon.” Our question to President Obama, with all due respect, is: Are not unborn children so stamped? Can we not see…

  • The Face of God in the Child Waiting to Be Born?

    Cathy Ruse
    4 Feb 2010 | 7:03 am
    President Obama’s speech this morning at the National Prayer Breakfast included a moving litany about looking in the eyes of every different kind of person and in each seeing the face of God. They should’ve scheduled a Q & A! What should we see when we look through the screen of an ultrasound machine at the sweet little closed eyes of a baby? It would be impossible for President Obama to answer that question in any way that would not utterly undercut the central theme of his speech. And “above my pay grade” would be the worst answer. A word to the White House…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Why God?

  • Paganism & Witchcraft

    admin
    31 Jan 2010 | 11:31 am
    There is a question from a former Christian who is now considering other religions because Christianity is too constricting. Being entangled in the world can make Christian righteousness a far reach for many people if they are looking "for a bit of good". The problem for most people who turn to the bible is they cannot turn away at this worlds pleasures. They find them self torn because they want some of the world, but what the assurance of going to heaven as well. You cannot have both the cup of devils and of God. (1 Corinthians 10:21) You cannot go to nightclubs and enjoy feasting your eyes…

  • Making Money In Tough Times

    admin
    22 Jan 2010 | 7:07 am
    Everyone feels the rough economy, and the marketplace slow down, but we came across some obvious secrets that will get you out of the ditch.  Accidentally, I came across a speaker on you tube from a testimony of a woman who has been in the worst of situations, such as being homeless, and raising a child on welfare to now being a millionaire.  What are her secrets?  Dani Johnson talks about  Philippians 2:4  which says: "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."  Is she on to something ?  She says one of the secrets of…

  • God Brings A Baby Out Of A Coma In The River Church in Durham, North Carolina

    admin
    8 Jan 2010 | 5:09 am

  • The Theory Of Evolution – An Idea That Is Very Ancient, Very Pagan And Very Wrong

    admin
    22 Dec 2009 | 2:35 pm
    Most people believe that Charles Darwin invented the theory of evolution.  However, most people are very, very wrong.  The truth is that the theory of evolution has been with us for a very, very long time.  It actually comes from ancient pagan religious beliefs that continue to be reflected in many religious traditions around the globe today.  It has been documented that many ancient pagan teachers and philosophers believed that the universe spontaneously evolved by itself, that the universe is millions of years old, that humans once resembled fish, and that all living things continue to…

  • 3 Year Old Boy Raised From The Dead In Sapele, Nigeria

    admin
    14 Dec 2009 | 11:51 am
    A 3 year old boy in Sapele, Nigeria has been raised from the dead after being prayed for by evangelist Daniel Kolenda of the Christ For All Nations evangelistic organization.  This happened near the end of a multi-day crusade that Christ For All Nations was holding in Sapele.  Crowds at the crusade have been as large as 200,000 people for a single service.  Miracles are regularly seen at the crusades that Christ For All Nations put on, but for a 3 year old boy to be raised from the dead is truly extraordinary.  The following is a brief account of what happened from Kolenda himself....
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Blogging Theologically

  • Learning to Get Over Myself: A Review of Crave by Chris Tomlinson

    Aaron Armstrong
    9 Feb 2010 | 3:00 am
    Title: Crave: Wanting So Much More of God Author: Chris Tomlinson Publisher: Harvest House  Chris Tomlinson hates being a comfortable Christian—one who believes in God and wants to do his will, but isn’t fully committed to being a disciple of Jesus and all this entails. And that’s why he wrote Crave, to explore the deeper longings of his heart that being comfortable simply can’t satisfy. He wants to be a passionate follower of Jesus.  And he wants you to be one, too.  Getting over himself…  Over 16 short chapters, Tomlinson gives readers a glimpse into his…

  • Craving More of Jesus: A Q&A with Chris Tomlinson

    Aaron Armstrong
    8 Feb 2010 | 3:00 am
    Chris Tomlinson is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Acadamy and the UCLA Anderson School of Business. He lives in North Virginia with his wife, Anna, and is the author of the newly-released Crave: Wanting So Much More of God. But if there’s one thing you need to know about him, it’s that he really loves Jesus and wants you to love Him, too. (Okay, maybe that’s two things.) Chris and his publisher, Harvest House, were kind enough to include me in the blog tour in support of the book, and he has graciously agreed to take part in a short Q&A. Enjoy the interview and…

  • Around the Interweb (02/07)

    Aaron Armstrong
    7 Feb 2010 | 3:00 am
    Preacher-Idolatry and the Promise of “All Things” From David Murray, Professor of Old Testament and Practical Theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan: What do you do if people start idolizing you or your preaching? “I wouldn’t mind some of that!” you retort. Well, okay, maybe it won’t happen to many of us on a large scale. And most of us have the opposite problem. But, if even one person starts to “follow” you or your sermons excessively (and that can happen in the smallest of congregations), how should you respond? The Apostle Paul’s…

  • Charles Haddon Spurgeon: The Wretchedness of Pride

    Aaron Armstrong
    6 Feb 2010 | 3:00 am
    …Pride is a protean thing; it changes its shape; it is all forms in the world; you may find it in any fashion you may choose, you may see it in the beggar’s rags as well as in the rich man’s garment. It dwells with the rich, and with the poor. The man without a shoe to his foot may be as proud as if he were riding in a chariot. Pride can be found in every rank of society—among all classes of men. Sometimes it is an Arminian, and talks about the power of the creature; then it turns Calvinist, and boasts of its fancied security—forgetful of the Maker, who alone can keep…

  • Fear the Boom and Bust: A Lesson in Hip Hop Economics

    Aaron Armstrong
    5 Feb 2010 | 3:00 am
    Z shared this video on his blog the other day. Who says learning can’t be fun? Sing along with the lyrics below: We’ve been going back and forth for a century [Keynes] I want to steer markets, [Hayek] I want them set free There’s a boom and bust cycle and good reason to fear it [Hayek] Blame low interest rates. [Keynes] No… it’s the animal spirits [Keynes Sings:] John Maynard Keynes, wrote the book on modern macro The man you need when the economy’s off track, [whoa] Depression, recession now your question’s in session Have a seat and I’ll school you in one simple lesson…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Bible Stories My Kids Love

  • Dip in a Muddy River

    2 Feb 2010 | 1:39 pm
    Today's Bible Stories My Kids Love is about being a good friend. A friend that will tell you to do the right thing. A friend that will listen, and a friend that always gives good guidance.Enjoy today's Bible Stories My Kids Love. MP3 File - Click Here to Download Podcast GREAT DISCOUNTS FOR BIBLE STORIES LISTENERS!Get 10% off any order at GoDaddy bible5Get $5 off any purchase of $30 or more* bible6Get your own .com for $7.49* bible7

  • Dessert in the Desert

    19 Jan 2010 | 5:15 pm
    Ever want to eat dessert for every meal? Doesn't that sound great? In today's Bible Stories My Kids Love hear about how God fed his people everyday in the desert with, well...dessert!Enjoy today's Bible Stories My Kids Love. MP3 File - Click Here to Download Podcast GREAT DISCOUNTS FOR BIBLE STORIES LISTENERS!Get 10% off any order at GoDaddy bible5Get $5 off any purchase of $30 or more* bible6Get your own .com for $7.49* bible7

  • The Spies Sneak a Peek

    6 Jan 2010 | 4:28 pm
    In today's story hear about twelve men sent as spies into the promised land. Learn lessons of faith and promise as two of the spies bring back a very special report.Enjoy today's Bible Stories My Kids Love. MP3 File - Click Here to Download Podcast GREAT DISCOUNTS FOR BIBLE STORIES LISTENERS!Get 10% off any order at GoDaddy bible5Get $5 off any purchase of $30 or more* bible6Get your own .com for $7.49* bible7

  • The Rest of the Christmas Story - Escape to Egypt

    26 Dec 2009 | 4:27 pm
    Ever wonder what happened to Jesus, Mary and Joseph after that First Christmas? Learn how Jesus and his family escaped danger by following God's directions in today's Bible Stories My Kids Love.Enjoy "The Rest of the Christmas Story." MP3 File - Click Here to Download Podcast GREAT DISCOUNTS FOR BIBLE STORIES LISTENERS!Get 10% off any order at GoDaddy bible5Get $5 off any purchase of $30 or more* bible6Get your own .com for $7.49* bible7

  • The Sheppard's Christmas

    15 Dec 2009 | 10:42 pm
    The Sheppard's see an Angel and become the first visitors to see the new born Baby Jesus! Hear their story from the Book of Luke.Merry Christmas to all from Bible Stories My Kids Love. MP3 File - Click Here to Download Podcast GREAT DISCOUNTS FOR BIBLE STORIES LISTENERS!Get 10% off any order at GoDaddy bible5Get $5 off any purchase of $30 or more* bible6Get your own .com for $7.49* bible7
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Mission News from OM USA

  • The Journey Deepens: a retreat

    Donna Williams
    8 Feb 2010 | 7:26 am
    If you have a heart for mission and are beginning to sense the Lord prompting you to take the next steps, you may want to attend a weekend retreat called The Journey Deepens. OM is hosting the March event on our Atlanta-area campus. For information see the Journey Deepens website.

  • FREE THE DALITS!

    Donna Williams
    5 Feb 2010 | 6:32 am
    Incredible video of the Dalit cup-smashing event that ran throughout Passion 2010. Jill Monaco of One Verse interviews OM VP Michael Kaspar about the story behind the Dalit cups, then several students participate in this prophetic act. Please pray for the Dalits and for the end of the caste system in India. For $25 you can provide one year of school lunches for a Dalit student.

  • Bus4Life in Hungary

    Donna Williams
    4 Feb 2010 | 2:55 pm
    See what OM Romania is doing through their Bus4Life ministry, a partnership with local churches. You can join the Bus4Life team this summer for a short-term mission trip. Bus4Life brings hope to Eastern Europe from OM USA Video on Vimeo.

  • A week of God moments in Haiti

    Donna Williams
    1 Feb 2010 | 4:00 am
    Written by Lane Powell, OM USA Communications“I knew there were going to be ‘God moments’ through the week when the tap-tap [taxi truck] ran out of gas right in front of the orphanage.” That was the beginning of the visit to Haiti by Henry Couser, a member of OM’s staff in the USA. He had traveled nearly two hours from the airport in the tap-tap, and the fuel lasted until they got to the

  • Haiti relief video to share

    Donna Williams
    21 Jan 2010 | 7:16 am
    Thanks for posting this to your own sites and helping us spread the word about the long-term needs in Haiti.Haiti Relief from OM USA Video on Vimeo.
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Missionary Confidential

  • Hard Truths in 1 Minute 17 Seconds

    C. Holland
    1 Feb 2010 | 8:13 am
    Hard Truths in 1 Minute 17 SecondsNew Post from: Missionary Confidential Sometimes hard truths about mission realities just have to be stated, and this video does just that under a minute and a half.  Though the speaker is from a Native American tribe, his words could easily be from the mouths of our nationals who have shared similar stories; they have experience both the issues of pictures and charity.  Best quote: “Very few people come for the sake of getting to know us and building relationship. And of those who do come for that, even less ever come back.” By the way, as…

  • From the Missionary Blogosphere

    C. Holland
    28 Jan 2010 | 10:10 am
    From the Missionary BlogosphereNew Post from: Missionary Confidential Author Ann Dunagan asks, “Is Your Family Mission Minded?” (HT: Life.Outpoured) How to avoid five pitfalls of Short-Term Mission trips An MK learns about sacrifice and the value of protecting your health NonModern explains why Evangelical Christians may be the worst witnesses in their own culture An example of the church being a missionary to Russia Related posts:From the Missionary Blogosphere

  • In the Culture of Now

    C. Holland
    13 Jan 2010 | 2:59 am
    In the Culture of NowNew Post from: Missionary Confidential The turn of the new year always gives us pause for reflection on the past and contemplation of the future, so the start of 2010 appears to be no different.  As I remember lessons learned over the past few years as a missionary, one theme keeps recurring: we are shaped by the environment in which we find ourselves, no matter how much we may resist.  And I have been very much influenced by my mission field’s culture which is an “in the moment” people group, something I like to call “The Culture of Now”. Of course, the title…

  • Around the Missionary Blogosphere

    C. Holland
    7 Jan 2010 | 4:24 am
    Around the Missionary BlogosphereNew Post from: Missionary Confidential MissioMishMash gives the answer to the question, “Is it safe to be a missionary?” Life.Outpoured revisits Speaking Missionese. The video on Christianese is hilarious, yet true. Missionaries already know they’re outsiders when entering a foreign field, but what if the church saw itself in the same way? The Scriptorium Daily reports on the Urbana 09 student missions conference and includes some great missions quotes; they’re all good but my favourites are the first two. Want to learn more about…

  • Favourite Posts of 2009

    C. Holland
    30 Dec 2009 | 2:03 pm
    Favourite Posts of 2009New Post from: Missionary Confidential While 2009 has been a year (and part of a decade) of ups and downs, both personally and collectively, the past 12 months have been possibly the most fruitful time in my writing since leaving school many, many years ago.  I believe the 72 posts on this blog for 2009 are representative of my creative faucet finally allowing my thoughts to flow.  It’s been quite a journey, and I’m humbled how many have joined me along the year. A quick look at stats shows that individual visitors to Missionary Confidential more than…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    The Daily Voice

  • Why Are We Using Technology in Our Church?

    9 Feb 2010 | 5:00 am
    Earlier this year, Tim wrote an article encouraging you to evaluate your Christian Education program and Ask, “Why?” The use of technology in ministry is an area where some of your members may be asking the question “Why?” “Why do we have a large screen hanging at the front of the sanctuary?” “Why do we need to spend money on a new projector when we already have one?” “Why does our church need a website?” You get the idea and I imagine that you have heard these questions or other variations. Although it is easy to get annoyed by, “Why?” it is an excellent question when…

  • Characteristics of a Progressive Sunday School Ministry (Part 2)

    8 Feb 2010 | 5:00 am
    What makes Sunday School at a progressive church different than Sunday School at other churches? It is not necessarily the curriculum that is used in Sunday School, but the manner in which it is taught that sets a progressive Sunday School ministry apart from its counterparts. Our motto at Different Voice is: “Embrace life. Nurture Spirituality. Inspire change.” These are also worthy goals for a progressive Sunday School ministry. In Part 1 of this series, I explored ways that progressive Sunday School ministries embrace life. A progressive Sunday School ministry also nurtures…

  • Encounters

    5 Feb 2010 | 5:00 am
    Jesus called me the other day On speakerphone. Interestingly, His voices sounded like Friends of mine from church. “I have a job I’d like you to do.” I saw Jesus smiling the other day. His face was that of a child, Who picked up a backpack Containing food lovingly packed. The smile accompanied knowledge That he would eat this weekend.More...

  • Four Ways to Learn About New Monasticism

    4 Feb 2010 | 5:00 am
    Today's guest blogger is Rev. Dawn B. Young, Ed.D., the Director of Christian Education for the Louisiana Conference. There is much talk and concern about how to engage young adults in the church. And interestingly enough, young people tell researchers that while they are not particularly interested in “church” they are interested in the things that churches do. Surprisingly, or not, a large majority of young people say that there are people in the world and issues of the world that need to be addressed and they are interested in working towards solutions. Hence, young adults who claim…

  • The Write Idea - Part 1

    3 Feb 2010 | 5:00 am
    You have likely heard the saying “Everyone has a novel inside of them.” (Skeptics sometimes add “most of them are not any good.”) I’m not sure whether I believe that everyone has a novel in them; I do not particularly feel that I do, and I consider myself a writer! I do believe that we all have thoughts! Writing is one way that we communicate our thoughts, feelings and ideas to others. Some people write only for themselves, using a journal or diary as a way to record events or emotions and/or explore them more deeply. There is something about putting words onto paper that allows us…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Ed Bahler's Blog

  • Off Our Blessed Assurance

    Ed Bahler
    6 Feb 2010 | 5:13 pm
    Ed Stetzer left us with this memorable challenge at the Verge Conference: It’s time we get off our blessed assurance and do something for Jesus. Stetzer went on to emphatically challenge us with, “When we do for people what God called them to do, everyone get’s hurt and the mission of God gets hindered.” Stetzer believes the system of church in the west rewards pastors for meeting the needs of people in a co-dependent relationship. A co-dependency fed by the people’s need to be taken care of and the pastor’s need to be valued. A recent survey of 7000…

  • Who Will Save Us?

    Ed Bahler
    3 Feb 2010 | 3:11 pm
    Who will save the church? That depends on what you mean by ’save.’ If you mean “what will keep things just as they are?” then the answer is nobody will. It’s over. And if you mean “who will maintain that handy place where we get encouraged on weekends, have our weddings and funerals, hang with friends and get some advice when life’s confusing for our convenient 2-3% tithe?” then the answer is still nobody will. We need to get past this old idea of saving, because the status quo is leaving the building, and quickly. The churches thriving in this…

  • A Holding Tank with Pizza

    Ed Bahler
    29 Jan 2010 | 1:23 pm
    “Teens are looking for more than a holding tank with pizza,” said Ed Stetzer. “They look for a church that teaches them how to live life.” Even though they may hesitate to acknowledge it, teens do want insight and guidance when it comes to dealing with challenges. In a recent Bible study at Purdue University, I asked a group of college guys what they perceive as key barriers to reaching their goals in life. Their top three concerns were: Their ability to be a strong spiritual leader in their home Their ability to provide financially Personal discernment The group also…

  • What about the other 180 million?

    Ed Bahler
    26 Jan 2010 | 3:57 pm
    Al Hirsch, author of The Shaping Of Things To Come and The Forgotten Ways, estimates that only 40% of the US population can be reached with the prevailing church models of today (mega church, multi site, small groups, etc). Of course 40% does represent 120 million Americans who are open to a church model built around corporate weekend worship and small groups.However, it is possible for the prevailing church models and leaders to reach out with incarnational ministry to the other 180 million people that will likely never attend church as we know it. Christ exemplified this incarnational…

  • Are You With It?

    Ed Bahler
    22 Jan 2010 | 1:56 pm
    Kevin Miller at Christianity Today shared how teachers who are “with it” teach 1 1/2 years of content in a given year, versus the 1/2 year’s worth of content from poor-quality teachers. That’s a 300% increase in effectiveness year after year! We’re all teachers with our own unique classrooms. Imagine the impact of a 300% improvement at your school, business, ministry, or home. Teachers who get it have a quality called “withitness.” This is the ability to be perceptually and cognitively aware of what’s occurring around you at all times. Teachers…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    The Wandering Shepherd

  • Life in Plan B: The Long Arm of the Lord - Zechariah 12

    Randall Smith
    7 Feb 2010 | 12:24 pm
    John trained in the most elite assault squad the black ops personnel had ever assembled. The team was ready to go anywhere, at the behest of the President of the United States. He never knew what was next, and he...

  • Land of Blessing - 2 Chronicles 7

    Randall Smith
    7 Feb 2010 | 12:19 pm
    On November 11, 1938, two decades after the end of WWII, Kate Smith debuted the song written by Irving Berlin called “God Bless America”. In Dr. Richard Land’s book Real Homeland Security, published in 2004, he opened with a pertinent...

  • Reading the Map: A Story in the Tapestry - Genesis 11:10-12:8

    Randall Smith
    6 Feb 2010 | 1:02 pm
    Carl was curled up on the braided rug, only feet from the crackling fire that warmed the whole end of the house. He sat quietly for a long time watching the quick and succinct movements of his mother’s fingers as...

  • Life in the Plan B Zone: “No Way Out” - Zechariah 11

    Randall Smith
    31 Jan 2010 | 3:09 am
    Scott and Ellen were in Port-au-Prince awaiting the arrival of a mission team from the US and Canada. They arrived a few days ahead to set up some of the arrangements. Scott was from Southern California, and with the first...

  • Reading the Map: “I Gotta Be ME!” - Genesis 10:1-11:9

    Randall Smith
    30 Jan 2010 | 2:58 pm
    How do you measure the significance of a man or woman? Is it wrong to desire to leave a mark in my job, in my family, and in my community? The struggle for significance is one that many of us...
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    It's Complicated

  • What’s Your Definition of Love?

    admin
    8 Feb 2010 | 9:00 am
    With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, I thought I’d talk briefly about the topic of love.  It’s actually far more than a “topic”.  It’s an all-consuming desire to experience for everyone on the face of the earth. Floodgate Productions created this video that talks about love, romance, and action.  Take a looksie… I’m not gonna tell you anything you haven’t already thought about.  But the main point is this… At some point in our lives, we need to go beyond experiencing love as a state of being, and move into the reality of love as…

  • American Christians

    admin
    3 Feb 2010 | 8:59 am
    What’s that Lee Greenwood song?  Oh yeah. Proud to be an American.  I hear it every July 4th. But I confess that, over the past ten years (give or take a few years), I’ve been less than proud to be two things: * An American. * A Christian. I have my reasons for both.  Some are good reasons, and some are simply excuses to continue being cynical.  And I’m working on that. But… From the moment the earth shook in and around Haiti, I have watched American Christians respond with sacrifice, courage, and love.  And I’m blown away. And they’re making me proud…

  • A Leader’s Day-To-Day Impact

    admin
    2 Feb 2010 | 8:38 am
    Most Christian leaders I know are obsessed with having a Kingdom “impact”.  It is, after all, what motivates us every day.  Take away the potential impact we have in the lives of real people, and you take away the very reason we woke up today. So for the Christian businessman who provides health insurance to the masses… For the owner of a media design company that helps secular organizations brand themselves… For the mom who blogs regularly, helping other moms to make it through their hectic days… For the pastor who tries his best just to stay above water, all the…

  • Francis Chan, Risk, and Christianity

    admin
    1 Feb 2010 | 6:53 pm
    Many Christians have found, in Christianity, a relatively safe and secure environment where they live out their lives.  I completely understand this notion - I mean, none of us wants to risk everything, especially when it comes to our own well-being… even our lives. Right? Earlier today, a friend showed me this video by Francis Chan.  It not only put things in proper perspective, but it gave me a visual image I’ll never forget. May we learn to live our lives with reckless abandon before a God who is, above all, good.

  • How to Oppose the Heart of God

    admin
    31 Jan 2010 | 4:01 pm
    Quick. When I say the word “worldly”, or the phrase “love the world”, where does your mind immediately go? Sin? Maybe some specific sin? Maybe adultery. Maybe lying or cheating. Maybe pornography.  That’s a good one. But if we were to ask the brother of Jesus what he thought about that question, he’d say something different.  Actually, he’s already said something different.  In James 4, the brother of Jesus ties together two thoughts that I’ve never seen before… 3When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Dad Talk

  • Is Dad a brand name?

    David
    18 Jan 2010 | 8:31 am
    We are only a couple of weeks away from, what has become a great winter tradition in the United States, the viewing of the annual Superbowl commercials. In this tradition, companies spend ridiculous amounts of money to buy a minute of television air time, and to produce the most creative advertisements and thus get their brand name in front of people around the world. Names like Nike, Pedigree, Fed-EX, and Capitol One are likely to be seen. The purpose of these advertisements is to instill a connection in the minds of people so when they have a need they will remember the brand name.

  • 40 Short years

    David
    3 Jan 2010 | 10:06 am
    Today is Sunday January 3, 2010, the day Marsha and I celebrate 40 years of marriage. As I think about the past 40 years, it seems like such a short time.  We began this journey in a small Methodist Chapel in Colorado City Texas.  It was during the Vietnam war and I was in the Air Force.  We, like many other young people then, wanted to get married in case things went badly in the war.  We knew Vietnam would impact our lives in one way or another. Over the years we have lived in states like, Illinois, New Mexico, Texas, Nebraska, and Georgia.  We have met wonderful people in each of…

  • Father of the Decade

    David
    31 Dec 2009 | 1:05 pm
    As I began to consider this concept, I thought it would be fairly easy. After all, how many fathers are there in the world? There must be many that stand out. How much news has been reported in the last ten years? There must be great fathers among the reports. Soon after beginning my research, I realized this was going to be a difficult, if not impossible, task. There are fathers in the news alright. Recently there was Dr. Umaru Abdulmutallab, the father of Abdul Farouk Abdulmutallab, otherwise known as the “underpants bomber”, or the “undergarments bomber”, or…

  • Unopened Gifts

    David
    24 Dec 2009 | 8:24 am
    Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows James 1:17 NIV We have heard if from the time were were children. This is the season of gift giving. In both the Christian holiday of Christmas and the Jewish holiday of Chanukah, the practice of giving gifts is the highlight in many of our eyes. We spend months, days, and hours online and at the mall seeking the perfect gift. One drive by the local shopping center, this time of year, will confirm the importance of this aspect to the majority of people.

  • Forgot your password?

    David
    23 Nov 2009 | 5:35 pm
    “Enter with the password ‘thank you’ make yourselves at home, talking praise, thank Him.  Worship Him.  For God is sheer beauty, all generous in love, loyal always and ever”( Psalms 100:4-5 The Message)  “The username and password entered do not match.  Please enter correct username and password before proceeding”.  How many times have you seen that message, or one like it, splashed across your computer screen?  My mind races, it can’t be the username; I usually use the same one!  It has to be the password, what password did I use when I set up this account?  For the…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    After His Own Heart

  • January 27

    Warren
    27 Jan 2010 | 4:47 am
    Hazel and I agreed that we’d take the advocacy for adoption to the next level. Hazel sent various emails to various individuals of whom we thought could help us make people more aware of the state of adoption in our country. At the same time I began to think whether this mission of ours is [...]

  • January 26

    Warren
    26 Jan 2010 | 4:44 am
    We were able to do devotions last night and tonight. Discussed on loving one another. We all felt guilty for our lack of love towards another. We pray that we may grow in the love of Christ that the world may know that we truly are His disciples (John 13:35). Inspite of our continuous debt, by [...]

  • Adoption is One Form of Making Disciples

    Warren
    26 Jan 2010 | 1:41 am
    A friend of mine once reacted to our decision for adoption saying that he supports a child via World Vision. Helping a child financially that you are not required to be with is good. And I am happy for this act. However, you cannot make a disciple out of a child whom you barely see. [...]

  • January 25

    Warren
    25 Jan 2010 | 3:01 am
    Yesterday, my friend didn’t show up for us to do a Biblestudy together. This morning he passed by and apologized confessing that he fell asleep. I pray that next time we meet, I would be able to discuss with him concerning the gospel. After I’ve invited him, I started to look at others as well. [...]

  • January 23

    Warren
    23 Jan 2010 | 3:26 am
    Last night I was not able to lead our devotions. We watched a movie instead. I have to confess, these past months we are undergoing severe trials. Probably the worst one in my marriage life. We have huge amount of debts to various individuals and groups. Some I cannot expect to pay back. Some are [...]
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    New Leaven

  • Quote of the Day

    T.C. R
    9 Feb 2010 | 12:00 am
    This Quote of the Day comes from David Alan Black’s latest, The Jesus Paradigm: The religion of our age is utopian pragmatism, and with it the whole social structure of America is tumbling down, dethroning its God and undermining all its certainties.  I have no doubt that had C.S. Lewis lived long enough he would have devoted another Screwtape Letter to the devilish ways the American church has deceived itself into thinking it is following the blueprint of Scripture.  (p. 29) David Alan Black is professor of New Testament and Greek at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake…

  • Symbolizing Our Unity as We Partake

    T.C. R
    8 Feb 2010 | 9:20 am
    Because of our human tendency to forget and distort, the Lord is in the symbolism business: for example, to remind Israel of their Creator and Redeemer, Yahweh gave them the Sabbath (Exod. 20:8-11; Deut. 5:15). And we under the New Covenant are not exempt: we have been given the Lord’s Supper (Communion or Lord’s Table) to remind us of both our own redemption and inclusion in the renewed, eschatological people of God (1 Cor. 10:14-17). While it seems at times that we stink at both, symbolizing our redemption and inclusion, the charge seems to be more so at the latter—our…

  • John Piper on Reading C.S. Lewis: “His Value is not in Biblical Exegesis”

    T.C. R
    5 Feb 2010 | 12:46 pm
    During this year’s Desiring God Pastors’ Conference, which concluded a few days ago, in a talk on C.S. Lewis and his value, John Piper made some intriguing observations—observations from an “Inconsolable Soul”: Why has he been so significant for me, even though he is not Reformed in his doctrine, and could barely be called an evangelical by typical American uses of that word? He doesn’t believe in the inerrancy of Scripture, and defaults to logical arguments more naturally than to biblical exegesis. He doesn’t treat the Reformation with respect, but thinks…

  • Women: Breadwinners and Benefactors in Earliest Christianity

    T.C. R
    4 Feb 2010 | 9:38 am
     ”In Women in the World of the Earliest Christians (Baker Academic), Wheaton College New Testament professor Lynn Cohick examines literature, inscriptions, and other evidence to uncover what life was like for the earliest Christian women,” according to an interview with Christianity Today: 1.  What are some misconceptions about women in the early Christian world? One misconception is that women were not really part of the culture, that they were at home, uneducated, had their babies, worked their gardens, and that was it. What we find are very wealthy women who were patrons,…

  • Receiving the Lord’s Supper as a Sacrament Weekly

    T.C. R
    3 Feb 2010 | 12:48 am
    This Thursday, over lunch, three brothers and I are going to discuss the Lord’s Supper and whether as a fellowship we should observe it weekly. A.  A brief word on the nature of the Lord’s Supper: Four views: 1.  The Roman Catholic View:  Transubstantiation.  The bread and the wine actually become the body and blood of Christ. 2.  The Lutheran View: Consubstantiation.  The body and blood of Christ are present “in, with, and under” the bread and wine. 3.  The Zwinglian View:  Merely Symbolic.  The bread and wine symbolize the body and blood of Christ and…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Wrecked for the Ordinary

  • Hook Up or Get Out: God's Prescription for Holiness

    7 Feb 2010 | 4:00 pm
    "He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful" (John 15:2). "Hook up or get out." That's what my brother always says to me. What he really meant is... don't mess around. Isn't that the typical day-in-the life of a 20-something? We're not sure of what we want or even who we are, so why the heck would it matter if I'm ____? Fill in the blank. Making out with strangers? Sleeping in someone else's bed? Taking prescription medication? Drugs? Consuming large amounts of alcohol? Anything to numb the void…

  • Russ Lee of NewSong Gives Himself Away

    5 Feb 2010 | 4:00 pm
    Give yourself away. Inspired, yet? Give yourself away... now. Motivated to do something? Anything? Why is it difficult for Americans to be selfless? What is that wall that prevents us from sharing with others? Whether it's our possessions or ourselves, we need an earthquake to shake our apathy. Literally. Most times we understand how to throw money at people or problems. But only when we can afford it. What's the point of surrendering when it doesn't cost us anything? Russ Lee of NewSong shared a portion of his infectious passion and heart. When we talked, he didn't focus on the album or the…

  • Shaping Jesus: A Reflection on Martin Luther King, Jr.

    3 Feb 2010 | 4:00 pm
    With the celebration of the birthday of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.,  we see where Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. is used to bolster movements and causes that he did not specifically speak on. For example, in Raleigh-Durham, NC, a gay rights activist is torqued that a pastor who preaches a historical understanding of the bible's view on homosexuality will be speaking at a tribute to Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Regardless of what either person in question believes is right or wrong, both are imposing their beliefs onto Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., and for very different reasons.  …

  • Faith, Hope, and Love in the 21st Century: A Manifesto?

    2 Feb 2010 | 4:00 pm
    Let's face it: Christianity in the Western world is quickly changing. If you've had a conversation with an average person on the street about what she believes about God or religion, it shouldn't surprise you to hear that she probably doesn't have regard for those topics. More and more people don't know what they believe, or simply don't believe in much at all. Many Christians are even having crises of faith. The things our parents believed about politics, the world, and spirituality in many ways now seem rote, in dire need of being reinvented.   A variety of contributing factors can be…

  • The Myth of Education (How to Really Change the World)

    1 Feb 2010 | 4:00 pm
    The end justifies the means. Or does it? As people of faith, whether we identify ourselves with Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, even Atheism, this is a question we must continually wrestle with. It's easy to say the end justifies the means; it's easy to say the means justifies the end. It's hard to dig deep and humbly admit that maybe we really don't know. To believe is human; to doubt divine. (Peter Rollins) It is with this mindset we must approach bureaucratic institutions of all shapes, sizes, colors, and forms. Again, it's easy to fire off mindless criticisms that emotionally…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    The Creative Ledge

  • Finding The Balance

    9 Feb 2010 | 5:30 am
    "Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better.” ~ André Gide (1869-1951) Author, Nobel Prize Winner - LiteratureFinding the balance of working your craft and getting out of the way of inspiration is a feat, a fine line we must all walk as we create. Art is about personal expression. Maybe it's about God's personal expression.Gide's words cause "less is more" to take on a completely new dimension, but I think they require us to demand simplicity in our art and unclutter our creative process.I'm on a quest to find the balance and learn to ride…

  • Stay Out Of The Doghouse

    8 Feb 2010 | 5:00 am
    Just a friendly reminder about Valentines Day from my Media/Arts team at Eagle Mountain Church... less than a week to show your love.Stay out of the doghouse!

  • Recycled Art (part four)

    5 Feb 2010 | 5:30 am
    If “Nothing new under the sun…” is a phrase intended to govern the development of creative society, why have we seen so many developments and breakthroughs? Good question, right? I think it’s not just a good question, I think it’s THE question.If “It has all been done before”… where did the electric guitar or iPhone come from? The CD? Computer design and digital music creation? Digital anything for that matter?  They didn’t have any of these things back in the day those words were written.The point here is “Nothing new under the sun…” isn’t a law that governs…

  • Baristas Are Artists Too!

    4 Feb 2010 | 5:00 am
     What a great way to start your day. Coffee AND art all in one happy cup. But what if the latte is just too pretty to drink? Dilemma... I say take an artsy photo of it and sip away!For your enjoyment and inspiration, here is a page entitled 30 Examples of Latte Art Too Beautiful to Drink. Amazing. Simply amazing.

  • Enjoy The Journey (part two)

    3 Feb 2010 | 5:00 am
    “A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.” ~ Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)You’ve seen the end of this thing and it’s SO MUCH better over there. At least you’re tempted to think it is better. One problem: when you get there you’ll have another dream, vision and goal. And the whole dissatisfaction thing will rear its ugly head again. And the cycle will continue until you decide to do something about it.The biggest thing you can do to change this cycle is learning to enjoy the steps. You won’t go…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Thoughts about Nothing

  • Starbucks and Christianity

    Kyle Reed
    9 Feb 2010 | 6:12 am
    As I sit here in Starbucks working away, I have witnessed several things: When I walked in I started talking to a youth pastor friend of mine for a while (love when that happens) I witnessed 2 Bible studies I talked to the senior minister of the church I attend as he worked on his sermon Now I do not know about you, but there is something about starbucks that draws every christian and their mom to this place. Maybe it is because the coffee has been blessed by the Pope or something, but this is the place to be if you are a Christian. I wonder, why do Christians love Starbucks so much? (I hope…

  • Winner of the true Superbowl Competition

    Kyle Reed
    8 Feb 2010 | 10:49 am
    Well the winner of the first annual thoughts about nothing superbowl competition is…. Marshall Jones Jr. In a very close second place is…. Zac Cross Not only did they both predict the winner and MVP, they also were very close to the right score, posted on their own blogs about the competition, tweeted and followed, commented on other blogs, and even had a friendly competition. Marshall edged Zac out by a couple of points in the end. So Marshall send email me you mailing address: kyle@thoughtsaboutnothing.com and I will send over your winning prizes very soon. Zac, for finishing so…

  • Twitter and the Super Bowl

    Kyle Reed
    8 Feb 2010 | 4:26 am
    The super bowl is over and the Saints have surprised a lot of us. Not only was the biggest disappointment Peyton Mannings performance, but the commercials were a huge let down. It seemed that every commercial was reaching for a laugh. They were more concerned with being clever then they were telling you about their product. To put that all together I think these brands missed a major opportunity to do one of two things. First, connect with people online through talking about their twitter accounts. It would have literally taken 5 seconds at the end to say “come and chat with us on…

  • SuperBowl FTW (For the Win)

    Kyle Reed
    5 Feb 2010 | 4:26 am
    It is that time again…the time were millions of pounds of food will be consumed and record amount of TV’s will be sold. It is SuperBowl time. What better way to celebrate and look forward to the big day then to have a little competition. Here is what we got going here on Thoughts about Nothing, a competition to see who can predict the winner and come closest to the score. Not only will you be required to pick the winning team but also will need to come closest to the score. -You will get 5 points for predicting the team that wins -You will 30 points for predicting the correct…

  • Breaking it Off

    Kyle Reed
    4 Feb 2010 | 5:41 am
    I really do not know where this came from. Maybe it was because I was reading Proverbs 31 the other day and started thinking about girls (unlike any other time really). Here is what I started to think about…. If you are engaged and break it off, is that the same as divorce? What do you think. Give me an honest answer, and a well thought of answer. *kyle
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Heart Choices

  • Becoming Titus 2 in 2010 ~ Reverent

    9 Feb 2010 | 3:50 pm
    I'm joining with eLisa of Extravagant Grace today. We are continuing our series on becoming Titus 2 in 2010.Here is the Scripture from Titus 2:3-5:"Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."For this week our discussion is focused on the question: "What does it mean to be…

  • Where Does My Strength Come From?

    8 Feb 2010 | 3:02 pm
    Have you ever felt so tired and exhausted? Have you felt like you have no strength left?Lately, I can identify with little Rachel in this photo.I'm really amazed at how emotions and uncertainty drain my energy. I'm a person who prefers to:Stay in my comfort zoneSet goals and discipline myself to stay on schedulePlan my futureStudy and read up on things I don't understandThat's fine when I'm walking by sight. I can pretty much keep things under control.But right now there are circumstances in my life that:I didn't plan.I didn't ask for. I dislike going through.I don't know what the outcome…

  • Then Sings My Soul Saturday ~ El Shaddai

    6 Feb 2010 | 12:07 am
    It's Then Sings My Soul Saturday when I link up with Amy of Signs, Miracles and Wonders.I've been reminded this week that our God never changes. He is the God of the impossible. He is unchanging, the same yesterday, today and forever. How comforting that is to me!May you remember that our God is ...El Shaddai.No matter what challenges you may be facing He is the God of the impossible. I'm learning to trust and obey.Blessings,

  • Wear Red Day

    5 Feb 2010 | 10:03 am
    Today is National Wear Red Day. The American Heart Association aims to educate the public about heart disease.Did you know that the #1 killer of women is heart disease? We often think it's breast cancer which seems to be impacting more and more women every day. But the statistics prove that ...heart disease is the #1 killer of women.As many of you know, I worked as a cardiovascular nurse specialist for 25 years. Although I no longer work in this field, I try to keep up as best I can.I was born with a congenital heart defect called an atrial septal defect. Although today this is a simple…

  • In Other Words Tuesday ~ A Child's Heart

    2 Feb 2010 | 2:14 am
    It's In Other Words Tuesday and Nina of Mama's Little Treasures is our host for this week. The following is the quote she choose for us today: There's something about children that touches my heart. They're like little vacuums as they absorb and learn from all the influences in their lives.I always wanted to have children but was unable to have them.However, I was honored to be asked into leadership in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) as a children's leader. I loved every minute of the 8 years I served in that capacity.I clearly remember the first day I shared the bible lesson with my group of…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Captain's Blog

  • What Happens when Eden is Full of Weeds?

    Chad Estes
    8 Feb 2010 | 12:43 am
    Some people write because they are gifted at shaping sentences into beautiful, poetic expressions. Holding a book from a gifted writer is like drinking out of a stemmed glass of fine crystal. The look and feel is captivating, even when the wine inside was poured from a cardboard box. Other people write because they have a story worth telling. Depending on the significance of the narrative the quality of the serving cup can be somewhat overlooked. So when you find a writer who not only has the talent for words but also a tale to tell, you have a found a rare gift.When I started reading Sarah…

  • Why I Blog

    Chad Estes
    4 Feb 2010 | 10:02 pm
    Writing is an important way for me to process. Sometimes I sit down at the keyboard with some thoughts and feelings swirling round inside me. Often it’s late at night after the rest of the family is sleeping that my soul feels creative. I turn on some reflective music, fix a hot drink, and let my fingers start running. Usually about paragraph four or five the tears, the humor, or the relinquishment starts to flow and I feel a cathartic release. Blogging, letting those expressions be examined by other readers and writers, has been encouraging for me as well. Though some friends think my…

  • I Miss that Smell

    Chad Estes
    3 Feb 2010 | 11:08 pm
    I’ve never smelled anything more putrid than the stench that was the air in New Orleans after hurricane Katrina. It’s hard to describe—wet, rotting decay; abandonment mixed with carelessness; devastation saturated with salty tears. It made a person gag, even behind a mask.I miss that smell.The odor was so bad that when my friends and I fled north to get out of Rita’s way the first thing we said when we rolled down the van windows in Jackson, Mississippi was a surprising, “Oh!” at the clean air.I don’t miss the smell because there was anything pleasant about it. But in the same…

  • On Adopting Haitian Orphans

    Chad Estes
    1 Feb 2010 | 10:40 pm
    Ever since the earthquake, and the stories, and the pictures, I’ve been moved. Here is a bit of my processing.I’m quite happy with the age of my kids and the freedom that we have to be mobile without strollers. The oldest is almost 17, the youngest almost 10, and there are two more sandwiched in the middle at 15 and 12. Trading diaper bags for sports equipment has been a wonderful evolution. I love babies, but I’m done raising them.On the other hand, I look at the images of these new orphans being projected life-size onto the blank wall that serves as our TV screen. I look around our…

  • Monday Night Fumble

    Chad Estes
    31 Jan 2010 | 11:57 pm
    Jason Elam, a famous NFL placekicker for the Denver Broncos started writing a series of thriller novels once he retired from football. His stories are based on a professional football player named Riley Covington who gets pulled into an anti-terrorism unit after bombing attacks on US soil. Monday Night Jihad is the first book in the series and provides the background for Covington and his team whose stories have now stretched into three books (including “Blown Coverage” and “Black Out Elam doesn’t write these books alone, he has partnered with his pastor, Steve Yohn, to help include a…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    missional space

  • Are we justified to lie in Jesus name?

    Grady
    5 Feb 2010 | 12:08 pm
    So you’ve read the news about the “missionaries”/kidnappers in Haiti.  If you haven’t…google it and then come back here.  It’s not looking good for them getting out of Haiti any time soon.  It’s starting to look like the leader of the team…Laura Silsby is really behind this entire disaster. Evidence is coming out now that she attempted to do things the right way…but in the end…broke the law.   Apparently she passed out a flyer in Haiti…and all of it was a lie.  She said they were a registered non-profit in the Dominican…

  • Trying too hard to finish well

    Grady
    18 Jan 2010 | 1:19 am
    Over the last six months I’ve seen several people finish up their term on the field.  For some they were relocating, for most they were finishing their term and returning to the US.  The thing I kept hearing from many of them….”I need to make sure I finish well.”  You have to understand the tone with which it is being said….not with confident determination but more of….”I really need to do well so God will be happy and I won’t have to feel guilty for my time here.” The behavior that resulted from this was quite interesting to watch. …

  • Cheez its and solitude

    Grady
    11 Jan 2010 | 7:44 am
    I’m now eight days into my stateside assignment (furlough) and it has been a crazy time so far.  We’ve been blessed to be able to stay with family in a very large home….fed lots of food….celebrated two additional Christmas days…received more gifts…ate more food…and have drank more than my share of sweet tea. A few things about my time here so far.  I do enjoy the varieties….I used to get so excited when someone would send a package with Cheez-its.  I would get one box and they seemed like gold to me.  Now I can go to the store…pick one…

  • see you in January

    Grady
    13 Dec 2009 | 1:22 pm
    Traveling, packing, seminary classes, saying goodbyes.  This is what my life is full of right now.  Three weeks from today we’ll be back in the good ole’ USA for a much needed stateside assignment.  I must admit, I have alot in my head…alot of thoughts and posts floating around but I honestly don’t have time to process them and do them justice….so I’ll park the ideas….take a few weeks off while we finish life here and come back in January. Thanks for being a part of the conversation….and I hope you each have a Merry and Blessed Christmas!

  • I wish all roads led to heaven

    Grady
    4 Dec 2009 | 11:08 am
    In some of the recent US elections we’ve been forced to deal with the legitimacy of non-Christian religions in the US. For seemingly political reasons candidates have made them all appear equal as not to offend any voters.  The sad thing is that many of us actually believe all roads and faiths lead to heaven. Following 9/11 we were preparing to go to the field to work with North African Muslims. We were researching Islam…and everything we read broke our hearts. Around the same time Oprah hosted a multi-faith prayer service to honor the victims of 9/11. They had people from…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Tea With Tiffany

  • GIVEAWAY 5 Tickets : A Woman Inspired - Get Revived

    Tea With Tiffany
    8 Feb 2010 | 9:57 am
    Want a chance to win a free ticket to an upcoming online women's conference? I'm giving five winners each a ticket this Friday. :) Yeah!!A Woman Inspired -Get Revived- runs March 15th through the 19th. Since it's held online, all you need is your computer. And if you miss a day, all sessions are recorded and your ticket includes e-mailed MP3 links of the entire conference afterwards.I'm excited to be a part of the team of speakers for this conference. :) My talk isLord, Why the Rock and the Hard Place?For a list of the speakers and for more information, please visit A Woman Inspired - Get…

  • Prayer for Lisa Smith at Glad Chatter

    Tea With Tiffany
    4 Feb 2010 | 11:51 am
    This picture is for Lisa because of her love for sunflowers. Today, I feel like I need to divert my blog towards prayer for Lisa. Please click on this picture for more details. Lisa is a precious blogger and sister in the Lord and she needs our prayers. Thank you for caring!*******Tomorrow or Monday, I will announce my news of what I will be doing with another bloggy friend. :)

  • Holding Up During Hard Times

    Tea With Tiffany
    2 Feb 2010 | 9:51 am
    By yourself you're unprotected.With a friend you can face the worst.Can you round up a third?A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped. Ecclesiastes 4:12(MSG)Ever since the beginning of this year, I've had friends and family come under serious hardship. Left and right, people I love are suffering. Stressed out. Afraid. Some involve legal matters, others job loss, some sickness, one involves a dying friend. Let's not forget Haiti. That alone is beyond devastating. What do we do? How can we help those who are walking through the fire right now? My answer: Wrap them in a strong strand of…

  • Question for You Today

    Tea With Tiffany
    1 Feb 2010 | 8:32 am
    A worthwhile question to ask.I know my answer.Let's see if yours is the same. I'll post mine in the comments later.

  • Where is Your Treasure?

    Tea With Tiffany
    29 Jan 2010 | 9:41 am
    As I pulled up to a consignment shop this week, I noticed this sign. Isn't it something? I love textures. While I wandered around looking at antiques and collectibles, I talked with God saying something along these lines, "Lord, I don't want to be wasting my time in here. Please walk and talk with me as I look around. Allow me to hear Your voice and know more. For some reason I feel led to peek in this store. Is there something in here You want me to see?"Why that prayer? Because there's something big going on behind the scenes right now. I was asking God to speak more clearly. I wanted to be…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Here I Blog

  • Church attendance and the Super Bowl: two questions

    Mark
    8 Feb 2010 | 6:00 am
    Every year during the Super Bowl the question of church attendance arises. Should a person skip church for the Super Bowl? If he/she skips their regular Sunday evening church service are they sinning? There seem to be two main positions on this. Those who are more sabbatarian minded fall along the lines of a person is sinning if they skip their church service for the Super Bowl. Those who skip church service may be charged with antinomianism. Corporate worship is a Christian duty that should have priority of all other activities. It should not matter that it is the Super Bowl. Those on the…

  • Lord’s Day 02/07 crumbs of mercy

    Mark
    6 Feb 2010 | 7:00 am
    Never was a poor sinner more unworthy of favor from God or His people than myself. I deserve not a name and a place among the children, but am as vile as a dog, and would be glad for crumbs of mercy that fall from the children’s table. But such is the free grace of God towards me, through the slain Lamb, that He deals with me as a child, a dear child, and feasts me as a prince with Him according to the royalty, the dignity of His own infinite state. If salvation in all its parts were not all of grace, it would not suit such a wretched, miserable sinner as I am. But oh, blessed be God,…

  • Defining Missional

    Mark
    3 Feb 2010 | 6:00 am
    What exactly does the term missional mean? Attempts to answer this question can be found in books, videos, sermons, blog posts, theological ejournals, conference presentations, magazine articles, etc. Depending on who you ask will depend on the answer which may be good, bad or ugly. You get to decide which is which. Where do we go from here? Is missional something tangible that can be easily defined propositionally? Is it a concept? Or a movement? A theology? All of the above? One thing the word is – cool! However, at the moment there does not seem to be one agreed upon definition. This…

  • Book Review: The Trellis and the Vine

    Mark
    1 Feb 2010 | 6:00 am
    The Trellis and the Vine:The Ministry Mind-Shift that Changes Everything by Colin Marshall and Tony Payne. Matthias Media, 2009. 196 pages. The Trellis and the Vine focuses on doing the hard work of gospel living. That is, Christians giving of themselves through personal discipleship creating gospel growth. The trellis represents the structure of a church including “management, finances, infrastructure, organization, governance.”  The vine represents gospel growth that grows around the trellis such as “planting, watering, fertilizing, and tending.” (8) Very often…

  • Lord’s Day 01/31 rejoice in suffering

    Mark
    30 Jan 2010 | 7:00 am
    In the face of suffering, the believer is not to look for the “hidden God”-that is, God in his secret majesty. We cannot even attempt to figure out by speculation why we are suffering. We can only, with Moses, look upon God’s “back-side,” his compassion and mercy as revealed in Christ and his cross. While God’s hidden will in suffering cannot be found, and searching for it can only drive one to depression or delusion, his revealed will is displayed in the suffering of Christ, in which his people are called to share. Suddenly, in light of this, the dark,…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    daveingland.com

  • 3 Questions About The Church: Brett Crimmel

    daveingland
    6 Feb 2010 | 3:00 am
    Closing out the weeklong series on 3 questions about the church is Brett Crimmel. Brett is the lead pastor of Forefront Church in Lakewood, Colorado and has some great insights to share on being the church and helping those in need. His perspective on the church and its future is an exciting one: 1) How would you define the (local) church? The local church is a community of people gathered together with a unifying purpose: to Love God (great commandment), to Love Others (golden rule – both inside and outside the church), and to Change the World (great commission). The church has a task…

  • 3 Questions About The Church: David Park

    daveingland
    5 Feb 2010 | 3:00 am
    David Park’s twitter bio says it best: I dream about Asian-American culture and the church. David has a great insight into the next generation of church and how Asian-Americans can collectively influence the church culture in America. He hosts the Next Gener.Asian Church blog and is the most eloquent authority on Asian-American ministry. David has a love for–and is a student of–the greater church-at-large and lends a great perspective as he answers the three questions below: 1) How would you define the (local) church? A disclaimer: I’m not particularly fond of my own…

  • 3 Questions About The Church: Tyler Braun

    daveingland
    4 Feb 2010 | 3:00 am
    Many of you may know Tyler Braun from his blog Man of Depravity. He’s the wild card in this blog series as he is not the lead pastor of a local church, but he brings the voice of a younger generation and is a seminary student and youth pastor in Portland, Oregon. Here is how this dynamic young man responded to the following three questions: 1) How would you define the (local) church? A smaller and more specific expression of the church at large (church universal), designed to reach the world through discipleship and evangelism. 2) Is the church relevant? Why? By “church”…

  • 3 Questions About The Church: Charles Lee

    daveingland
    3 Feb 2010 | 3:00 am
    You may be familiar with Charles Lee as a public speaker and creator of The Idea Camp, but Charles’ home base is as the lead pastor of New Hope South Bay in Torrance, California. Here is how Pastor Lee responded to the following three questions about the church: 1) How would you define the (local) church? The local church is a local expression of God’s people gathered for a common mission. 2) Is the church relevant? Why? I think “relevant” describes a reactive culture. It lacks the proactive nature of culture-making that the church should be embodying. Is the church…

  • 3 Questions About The Church: Joshua Roberts

    daveingland
    2 Feb 2010 | 3:00 am
    Today’s perspective comes from Pastor Joshua Roberts of Encounter Assembly in Burbank, California: 1) How would you define the (local) church I would define the local church as a geographic gathering of Christ followers/Christian/etc. that come together on a regular basis to worship God the Father together, encourage each other, pray for others, and partake in ordinances/sacraments of the Church (i.e. the Lord’s Supper and Baptism). 2) Is the church relevant? Why? I guess that depends on which manifestation of the Church you’re speaking about. Some local congregations are,…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Rediscovering the Church

  • You Should Really Take a Breath Before Getting Indignant

    Peter P
    8 Feb 2010 | 12:01 am
    I LOVED the Focus on the Family Super Bowl ad starring Tim Tebow and his Mom. If I hadn’t heard all of the uproar and controversy before the game (like this, this and even this), I would have thought it was OK but the pre-game anger and objections made it absolutely WONDERFUL! Where was the controversy? Where was the heavily right-leaning advocacy? Nowhere in site, that’s where! Instead, all we saw was a loving Mom telling us that she cares for her son. Nothing wrong with that. Nothing at all. I loved it. I laughed and laughed and laughed. I wasn’t laughing because I…

  • Faith in the workplace – by Nancy Rosback

    Peter P
    4 Feb 2010 | 12:01 am
    Being a blogger/tweeter you meet the most interesting people and Nancy Rosback aka @poemsandprayers aka the writer of Just Say The Word is one of them. Nancy has been a great encouragement to me and I am very glad that she has written a guest post for me. I’ll let Nancy take it from here: since i am writing a post for peter’s blog, and peter is a preacher. i thought i might be fun to talk about preachers. not that i know a whole lot about them, but, i have wondered what it would be like to be a preacher in a church. i would think that different churches would make the job…

  • I believe a lie

    Peter P
    3 Feb 2010 | 12:02 am
    I believe a lie. Lots of them actually. It seems odd to be able to say that rationally – but it’s true. I wrote a few weeks ago about how I’m not OK and some of the responses to that post have encouraged me to share this with you all. I believe the lie that I ‘can’t’. I believe the lie that I’m a failure. I believe the lie that I’m no good at anything I believe lots of lies. You may wonder why I believe the lies if I know they’re lies. I know. I am too. The problem is, these lies have become ingrained in me over decades. Years and years of…

  • You’re not as strong as you think

    Peter P
    1 Feb 2010 | 12:04 am
    In the days since the earthquake in Haiti, there have been thousands of incredible and heartbreaking pictures flooding the internet and our TV screens of the devastation and human suffering in that country. On January 19th, CNN published a set of photo’s on their website which painted a stark and disturbing picture of the state of the country both in terms of the buildings and infrastructure and by way of the state of the newfound poverty and desperation of the people there. I invite you to go look through the pictures before reading the rest of this post but I will warn you in advance,…

  • Sunday thoughts – January 31st 2009

    Peter P
    31 Jan 2010 | 4:18 pm
    A very quick thought today: The need in Haiti is great… very great. There is no doubt that we need to help the Haitians but don’t forget about the rest of the world. The needs in third world countries didn’t get instantly fixed. There are millions around the world still dying of starvation, thirst and disease. Please don’t forget them. Haiti may be getting the most air-time and may be at the center of our attention but it’s just one of many places where your help is urgently needed. Check out places like WorldVision.org and Compassion.com to find out how you can…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Waiting For Sunday

  • Strange Fire

    Dennis Mullen
    8 Feb 2010 | 6:45 am
    Who are we to tell God how to worship Him? This week I listened through the book of Leviticus in large chunks. Here’s what hit me: Of all the books of the Bible, I’m sure that Leviticus contains more uses than any other book of the term “bodily fluids”. Much of Leviticus is consumed with health regulations, with the priests as public health inspectors trained to spot diseases and molds that could spread to the entire camp and which therefore must be quarantined. And this: I can see how someone might find evidence here if they believe that religion is just a tool to separate people…

  • God, Love and Hell

    Dennis Mullen
    8 Feb 2010 | 6:22 am
    How can a loving God send people to hell? From Timothy Keller’s The Reason for God. Basic question: How can a loving God send people to hell. Larry Hagman interview re: his near-death experience – “There is absolutely nothing to fear on the other side”. Susan Sarandon, when asked what she expects God to say to her when she dies: “I expect her to say, ‘Did you have fun?’” Do Christians even believe? Ministers know that, no matter how messed up someone’s life was, they’re expected to preach them into heaven. Hell is always for someone we don’t like. Here’s how the shared…

  • Cynicism

    Dennis Mullen
    6 Feb 2010 | 8:36 am
    Conan O’Brien signed off from The Tonight Show a few weeks ago with a classy speech.  After being maneuvered out of his dream job in a highly public way, he said: "All I ask of you, especially young people . . . is one thing. Please don’t be cynical.  I hate cynicism — it’s my least favorite quality and it doesn’t lead anywhere. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen. I’m telling you, amazing things will happen." The cynic in me wants…

  • Sunday Seven

    Dennis Mullen
    2 Feb 2010 | 11:14 am
    AllAboutGod.com – A thorough, content-rich site for answering basic and not-so-basic faith questions.  OutwardFocusedLife.com – A simple site with valuable lists of ideas about how to lift up Christ through acts of kindness, service and mercy. Tiger and the Good Life.  Compare ads and obituaries.  Ads sell good hair, white teeth, and fit bodies.  Obits never mention these things.  So what do we really aspire to?  This and other insights come from John Ortberg in this Leadership article. War Hero.  CNN did this story on former MHCCer Phil Canafax. …

  • God Space by Doug Pollock

    Dennis Mullen
    1 Feb 2010 | 4:40 pm
    I just started a thin and practical book about sharing the faith called God Space.  Author Doug Pollock tells about doing an evangelism training seminar at a church, at the end of which he asked for volunteers to join him on a visit to a local bar to practice the lessons they just learned.  The only taker was the pastor (and believe me, he had to volunteer). I think the response would be different at our church.  I can name several people who would volunteer in a second, and the minister (me) would be among the more nervous. When Pollock asked them why they wouldn’t go, they listed the…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Coffee Shop Journal

  • Super Bowl Party for the homeless…and the rest of us!

    marla
    8 Feb 2010 | 1:00 pm
    David teaching one of our homeless guests how to play Bingo The Super Bowl for the City party is in the history books, and though I may not remember who won it in a few years, I’ll remember how I spent this Super Bowl. It turns out that hanging with the homeless for the game is a whole lot more fun than my usual guest list! The first few minutes are always the toughest. That’s when you realize that this isn’t just another party, these aren’t just nameless people, and the gulf that divides us is both broader and narrower than you can imagine. Those first minutes are…

  • I’m pretty sure Jesus will be at my Superbowl party!

    marla
    2 Feb 2010 | 9:38 am
    Kind of a dramatic statement, isn’t it? But inbetween the cheering, the commercials, the dips and the wings, Jesus is definitely going to be at my Superbowl party. Why? Because David and I have decided not to throw our own party this year. Instead, we are going to Christ Fellowship’s Superbowl in the City party. It’s an outdoor event with an even mix of guests and volunteers. And oh yes, the guests are the homeless of West Palm Beach. With a great outdoor venue and the game on a large screen, the homeless guests will have the rare opportunity to sit down and eat a meal and…

  • Snow in the City

    marla
    28 Jan 2010 | 7:17 pm
    We spent a great day in Boston today. We started off the day meeting with some of our Real Estate and Financial Advisors in this building: This was mostly interesting today because there was a snowstorm coming in. This is the view we normally see out their windows…and I consider it one of the best reasons to meet with them downtown! Today when my mind was numbing over with technical details, I watched the snowstorm swirl around us on the 25th floor. Did you know snowflakes swirl UP when you are that high up? It was entertaining. I also watched buildings and cityscape come and go,…

  • Living at home

    marla
    26 Jan 2010 | 12:31 pm
    My father Five years ago today, I had my last conversation in this life with my Daddy. I don’t remember the exact last words my father spoke to me, though I do remember his last words in general. Lying in his bed, he must have been imagining his funeral in the days to come. Being the practical Yankee that he was, this didn’t bother him. Being the man in charge that he also was, he had an idea. “David,” he said to my husband, “I’ve been thinking. They could probably play Taps at my funeral. Yeah, that’d be good.” So I don’t remember his…

  • If necessary, use words

    marla
    24 Jan 2010 | 9:16 pm
    This is a Wordle.net cloud based on the words found in Coffee Shop Journal. Words have always defined who I am. I read them, I write them, I learn through them. Lately I seem to want to decorate with them. I love words. So the St. Augustine quote “Preach the gospel always. If necessary use words.” never really resonated with me. Of course you use words! But a few days ago I walked into my regular Starbucks to order my breakfast. I go there nearly every day to study, journal, write: all the things that are so difficult to do here at home! My barista, whose name I think I know but…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    sound of a soft breath

  • 007 | Sin Angers God, But Wait ...

    Brad
    1 Feb 2010 | 7:17 am
    Yes, sin angers God. Sin brings destruction. But don't stop at these statements and turn away either dismissive or hopeless, there is more, much more to understanding God. Today it may seem enlightened to believe that sin 'ain't nobody's business but my own.' The problem is, that's not true. Ultimately our sin is God's business; it's his commands that we violate (Exodus 32:8) and his consequences we must pay (Exodus 32:33-34). Again it highlights our need, our desperate need, for a Savior." Whitney T. Kuniholm wrote this in reflecting on the passage I am focused on from the book Exodus in the…

  • Throw Your Hands in the Air and Pedal

    Brad
    10 Jan 2010 | 9:30 am
    I have been thinking about control these days. Am I in control of my life? Where am I going? What are my plans? What road am I on? I was reminded last week of this verse... Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. (Mark 8:34) deny... take up ...and follow ...and I began thinking about what it means to follow Jesus, really follow, not just words ...but like Matthew did. As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me,"…

  • Celebrate Christmas Celebrate New Life

    Brad
    24 Dec 2009 | 9:30 pm
    Christmas is about everything new. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." (Luke 2:8-12) Angles we have heard on High is a well know and…

  • Christmas [is] Changing the World

    Brad
    23 Dec 2009 | 8:51 am
    Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." (John 7:38)Amazing things are already happening this year as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. In case you haven't seen it yet, we just got a breathtaking video from Peru about a community that was transformed through the work of Advent Conspiracy and the LWI-Peru team. Only days old, it's so fresh from the Amazon it still has mosquito bites on it! (email from LWI)Witness the story of a community that received safe water--for the first time--just DAYS ago, on the Upper Amazon in northern…

  • Join a Christmas Conspiracy

    Brad
    9 Dec 2009 | 8:48 am
    There are many around the world during this month of December plotting a subversive underground conspiracy. A plot designed to overthrow one of the world's greatest traditions and entrenched practices. A conspiracy ingenuously engineered to challenge the status quo of an over commercialized Christmas. Come help us plot to replace this established tradition with an extreme and radical practice: Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, and Love All. What many are calling the Advent Conspiracy. Advent Conspiracy Buzz Abounds The first Christmas changed the world, and now, it’s doing it again. The…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    NathanHurst.net

  • Building a Better Me: Profiles

    Pastor Nathan Hurst
    27 Jan 2010 | 12:27 pm
    Whatever you give your attention to expands in your experience. Proverbs 27:19 states, “as water reflects the face so a mans heart reflects the man.” Jesus echoed this sentiment in Mat. 7:20 by saying “just as you can identify a tree by it’s fruit, you can identify people by their actions.” Eventually what’s inside comes out! [...]

  • Building A Better Me: Delete Corn

    Pastor Nathan Hurst
    21 Jan 2010 | 10:11 am
    The Bible clearly teaches that you will “reap what you sow.” This is so simple that it is almost embarrassing to mention. However, it can be difficult to put into practice. We sow first and then we reap. Nowhere is this more apparent than in our thinking. When a farmer plants a seed he can’t [...]

  • Building a Better Me: Blue Steel

    Pastor Nathan Hurst
    20 Jan 2010 | 7:29 pm
    Our thoughts are Things! Everyday, One after another,one moment at a time, the hidden conversations that you hold in the privacy of your own mind are determining your destiny. It’s about building your life. It’s about becoming a better person. The reality is in life, one thing controls who we are, one fundamental activity. Your [...]

  • Can You See It

    Pastor Nathan Hurst
    17 Dec 2009 | 8:44 am
    You can’t see what’s behind you by focusing extra hard at what’s on your horizon you. Finding new ideas, expanding your success and developing new strategies will never take shape if you are caught seeing the world with the same old glasses. Looking in the same old places gives the same old perspective. But when you [...]

  • Trust Your Gut, Trust God

    Pastor Nathan Hurst
    12 Dec 2009 | 9:41 am
    Good solid reasoning is an important part of the decision making process, but don’t count out your intuition. “If I get an idea and it won’t go away then I have to do it… This takes a fair amount of self-trust, but I find that it works,” explained inventor Andrew Mercer. A hunch or that gut [...]
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Thank Christ

  • My Job

    Give Thanks!
    4 Feb 2010 | 7:40 am
    I am thankful for my job. We just had people get laid off at work, yet I survived the cuts. I am in awe of the support I have received from my peers, friends, and co-workers that lost their jobs. Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Share this on Reddit Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Share this on Facebook Tweet This!

  • My Dog

    Give Thanks!
    1 Feb 2010 | 10:29 pm
    I am so thankful for my families dog Pala who keeps me company while I write. She encouraged me through a painful time of anxiety and transition between jobs. HUGS. Thank you Christ for Pala. Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Share this on Reddit Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Share this on Facebook Tweet This!

  • His Creation

    Give Thanks!
    1 Feb 2010 | 10:17 pm
    Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Share this on Reddit Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Share this on Facebook Tweet This!

  • The Message on the Sabbath

    Give Thanks!
    29 Jan 2010 | 7:44 am
    Your thoughts and the scripture about taking a Sabbath spoke to me. My Pastor recently struggled with having enough time balancing family/church matters/business concerns and all the other things! It was confirmation to me that when I encouraged him to do this it was right! Thank you for the re-freshing, re-vealing, re-newing, re-minding of this Biblical concept! Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Share this on Reddit Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Share this on Facebook Tweet This!

  • SNOOOW

    Give Thanks!
    28 Jan 2010 | 7:30 pm
    I am thankful for the beautiful snow! I love being inside with my family as it gets pretty outside. Share this on del.icio.us Digg this! Share this on Reddit Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Share this on Technorati Share this on Facebook Tweet This!
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    BibleDude.net

  • [dillon burroughs] on the value of listening in evangelism

    Dan King
    8 Feb 2010 | 9:48 am
    [There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.] What’s one of the most effective tools that should be in your evangelism toolkit? Many people often think that it’s about knowing the five (or other number) steps in a special method, or being able to make a convincing apologetic argument. But one of the most effective things that one can do when evangelizing is to just shut up and listen to the person that you are with. It’s when we show an interest in things that are important to them by listening to what they have to say…

  • perfect love, imperfect fear

    Dan King
    1 Feb 2010 | 8:53 pm
    Remember that time when you were a kid? You know… that time that you and some other kids (friends, siblings, whatever…) were horsing around and something broke. It wasn’t even your fault, but when dad came to see what happened you just knew that you were in trouble. Oh boy, was your dad mad! His nose flared and the veins popped out in his forehead. Instantly everyone was afraid of the wrath that was to come. You, and everyone else just froze. Since nobody wanted to own up to the horseplay that resulted in the [whatever it was] that got broken, everyone was going to be…

  • [dillon burroughs] on making evangelism a part of everyday life

    Dan King
    29 Jan 2010 | 9:00 am
    [There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.] Evangelism is not as much an event as it is a lifestyle. Some of the most effective evangelism that we can do is in the context of our everyday lives. In this portion of the conversation Dillon challenges us to walk our walk before we talk the talk. It is being there consistently and being a positive example that opens up the doors for us to share with others. But that means that sharing our faith can be more of a marathon than a sprint. This approach can sometimes be frustrating because it can…

  • [dillon burroughs] on initiating conversation in evangelism

    Dan King
    27 Jan 2010 | 9:00 am
    [There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.] Sometimes using normal conversation with people will get us into a position where we earn the opportunity to share our faith. This type of permission-based conversation is often more comfortable for both sides as it is based more on an initial connection made through regular conversation. I remember hearing about a dude that would wear his Christian ‘witnessing’ t-shirts hoping that it would provide an opportunity to talk to people about his faith. After all, wearing a t-shirt that…

  • [the africa diaries] day nine: headed to kampala

    Dan King
    26 Jan 2010 | 3:00 pm
    Leaving Kenya and flying to Uganda was the biggest thing on our agenda for this day. I have to admit that it was tough leaving my new friends in Kenya. Because of the great distance, I knew that it wasn’t likely that I’d see most (if any) of them again. Yet, their impact on my life is etched on my heart BIG TIME. But we were on a mission, and our next objective was the work in Uganda. I had heard from others on our team about how different Uganda was going to be. They talked about how friendly the Ugandan people are, but I really had a hard time grasping what they meant by…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Biblical Preaching

  • Fierce Attention and Affection

    Peter Mead
    8 Feb 2010 | 12:32 pm
    I was just reading a synopsis of an intriguing book.  The book is about the importance of conversations, both at work and at home.  Nothing to do with preaching though?  Well, perhaps more than might be obvious.  I was struck by the author’s second principle – “Come out from behind yourself into the conversation and make it real.”  She writes that it I too easy to try to please so much that the truth gets hidden away in exchange for a trinket of approval.  In the next section she writes of the need for fierce affection for the other person.  I won’t pursue that in terms of…

  • Facebook in Sermon Preparation

    Peter Mead
    5 Feb 2010 | 4:14 am
    James Wood made the following comment on the post Extent of Application: I think he brings up a good point. I’ve tried to combat this by forming the sermon through conversation with the community. The beauty is, technology can aid this! I will post questions from the text to my facebook page as I’m studying. The responses help me to direct my study and hone my examples to reflect the needs of the community. I have not tried this, but am intrigued.  While not a huge fan of facebook, it may be an easy way to access “feed-forward” input in the preparation of a sermon.  The…

  • The Forming of Images

    Peter Mead
    3 Feb 2010 | 10:08 pm
    Another quote from Flickering Pixels by Shane Hipps, prompting a thought for today: Advertising is the direct result of the camera.  “Images have an incredible capacity to generate needs in humans that don’t naturally exist.” (75)  “Images initially make us feel rather than think.”  “Images don’t invite you to argue; they give you an experience.” (76) “Image culture dramatically shapes the way we think.  It also determines what we think about.” (77) It would be wrong to assume that such an image culture has only existed in our…

  • Extent of Application

    Peter Mead
    2 Feb 2010 | 10:07 pm
    I was just reading a synopsis of a book on the effect of technology on faith.  For example: Reading and writing are individual activities.  The technology of writing favors individualism over community, leading us to spiritual disciplines of “quiet time” and “journaling” and a gospel that is primarily oriented to the individual.  Printing erodes the communal nature of faith. (p56-7 – Flickering Pixels by Shane Hipps) That’s an interesting observation.  I think many of us tend to promote an individual spirituality – quiet times, reading,…

  • Preaching and Response

    Peter Mead
    2 Feb 2010 | 5:07 am
    When the Word of God is preached, something happens.  God’s Word, inspired by God’s Spirit, pointing toward God’s Son, spoken by a person empowered by the Spirit of God for their calling from God’s Son, to people prepared by the Spirit of God – it’s a recipe for response! At times we can see that response.  We get to see the people moved, the individuals gripped, the lives changed.  Sometimes we see something at the moment of preaching, or soon afterwards.  Sometimes we only see the response over months and years of ministry. At other times we…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    MaxGrace

  • Feel My Pain

    maxgrace
    1 Feb 2010 | 11:01 am
    Rather than write a blog, I’ll simply post my latest experience on AT&T customer service, as I recorded it live, on Facebook.  This is my life today… a bleary Monday… Filed under: Bill Giovannetti, Maxgrace, Pastors Life Tagged: AT&T Customer Service, Bad Service

  • The Hand-Off (A Commencement Address)

    maxgrace
    25 Jan 2010 | 5:27 am
    It was my privilege to deliver this commencement address for the Graduating Class of Fall 2009 at Simpson University, January 23, 2010. This Scripture Passage was read earlier in the program: 17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. 18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 19 “serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; 20 “how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it…

  • And the Winner Is…

    maxgrace
    20 Jan 2010 | 6:02 pm
    A big thank you to everyone who participated in the Caption Contest for this picture.  With 80 entries, it was tough. So many really good ones! After much agonizing, analyzing, analogizing, and other things that begin with ana-, our impartial panel of judges I has have reached a decision. First, the runners up… These entries made the final cut. You should be proud of yourselves!!! For your labors, you are the proud winners of A FREE LINK! (CLICK IT, GO AHEAD, RUNNERS UP ONLY). Enter this super-secret password: winner Upon reflection, Diego decided that free range cattle branding…

  • Protected: Told you…

    maxgrace
    20 Jan 2010 | 6:01 pm
    This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password: Posted in Bill Giovannetti

  • Hammered What?

    maxgrace
    20 Jan 2010 | 4:46 pm
    It’s called a Hammered Dulcimer, and the best player in the world lives right here in our own little town.  Dig it… Congratulations, Garrett!  You can hear more and see more videos at www.GarrettViggers.com. Posted in Bill Giovannetti, Maxgrace, Music Tagged: dulcimer, garrett, viggers
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Dad In The Middle

  • #17 – Read About Teaching (Tips For Large Group Teaching)

    Wayne
    9 Feb 2010 | 6:00 am
    Welcome to a continuing series of tips on working with large groups of children. I hope that you will find these tips useful and be able to implement them in your dealings with large groups of kids. If you do, please leave a comment and let us know. For a complete list of posts in this series, please see the index page. So, without further introduction, here is today’s installment. I am an avid reader.  I read something almost every day, and I go through stages during a year when I read numerous books over a very short period of time.  Earlier this year, I posted My 2010 Reading List with…

  • Wordle Challenge – January 2010

    Wayne
    8 Feb 2010 | 6:00 am
    Last month I started the Wordle challenge. Wordle.net is a sight that allows you to create word pictures of your blog / sight based on the frequency with which you use certain words. Each month I run Dad in the Middle through Wordle to get a visual image of what the blog has been focused on recently. Previous Wordle graphics can be found at the bottom of this post. Here is my Wordle.net for January 2010 created on January 31, 2010: “Know” and “Kids” were prominent in the past month. This is likely because of the new series I started on Tips for Large Group Teaching.

  • Eve Harmony

    Wayne
    6 Feb 2010 | 6:00 am
    Imagine a dating service when there are only two people in the world.  Your choices would be a little bit limited.  Enjoy!

  • #16 – Teach From the Book (Tips For Large Group Teaching)

    Wayne
    5 Feb 2010 | 6:00 am
    Welcome to a continuing series of tips on working with large groups of children. I hope that you will find these tips useful and be able to implement them in your dealings with large groups of kids. If you do, please leave a comment and let us know. For a complete list of posts in this series, please see the index page. So, without further introduction, here is today’s installment. The Bible is the power of God (Romans 1:16).  It is perfect (Psalm 19:7), pure…

  • #15 – Challenge Your Kids (Tips For Large Group Teaching)

    Wayne
    4 Feb 2010 | 6:00 am
    Welcome to a continuing series of tips on working with large groups of children. I hope that you will find these tips useful and be able to implement them in your dealings with large groups of kids. If you do, please leave a comment and let us know. For a complete list of posts in this series, please see the index page. So, without further introduction, here is today’s installment. There is no denying it – we work in children’s ministry.  We work with kids, and because of that, many people are of the opinion that we must “dumb down” our message in order to reach our audience. …
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Crossway

  • The Greatest Danger to a Good Marriage is a Good Marriage

    Staff
    8 Feb 2010 | 8:16 am
    In What Did You Expect?, Paul Tripp presents six practical commitments that give shape and momentum to such a lifestyle. These commitments, which include honestly facing sin, weakness, and failure; willingness to change; and embodying Christ’s love, will equip couples to develop a thriving, grace-based marriage in all circumstances and seasons of their relationship. What Did You Expect? will be release on May 1, but you can pre-order your copy. The first 1500 people to order will receive: 35% discount signed copy of the book free What Did You Expect? e-book For more information or to place…

  • John Newton Available for Free on Kindle

    Staff
    8 Feb 2010 | 6:19 am
    John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace is available for free download on Amazon for Kindle users. We apologize for the inconvenience last week.

  • Jonathan Leeman on The Church and the Suprising Offense of God’s Love

    Staff
    5 Feb 2010 | 9:22 am
    Is church discipline biblical? Jonathan Leeman wrote The Church and the Surprising Offense of God’s Love to help Christians start taking their membership in their local church seriously . . . because the very nature of God’s love gives shape to this body of people. And he means for his love to be displayed to the nations through this committed, marked off, body of people. Learn more about the cover and why perhaps you should consider reading the book here in his recent interview with Jim Hamilton.

  • John Newton on Kindle

    Staff
    4 Feb 2010 | 1:34 pm
    There seems to be an error with the free download on Kindle. You should be able to download for free directly from your Kindle. We are hoping to have the problem resolved shortly. We apologize for the inconvenience.

  • John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace on Trackback Thursday

    Staff
    4 Feb 2010 | 8:13 am
    This week’s Trackback Thursday features John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace by Jonathan Aitkin. Most Christians know John Newton as a man who once captained a slave ship, was dramatically converted to Christ on the high seas, and later penned one of the greatest hymns of the faith, “Amazing Grace.” But he also had a huge impact on his times as an icon of the evangelical movement, as a great preacher and theologian, and as a seminal influence on abolitionist William Wilberforce. Here is a fascinating and historically significant portrait of…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    PurityRings.com

  • Purity Rings & Valentine's Day

    1 Feb 2010 | 4:00 pm
    Valentine's Day is a great time to give that special teen or single person a purity ring.  Let them know that God does have a unique and special plan for their lives - and part of that plan is to ...

  • NEW - Introducing "Purity Petals" Purity Ring

    28 Dec 2009 | 4:00 pm
    We are so very pleased to kick 2010 off with a new purity ring that we have just designed and manufactured that we call "Purity Petals"! Physically, Purity Petals is a purity ring of significant size and weight.  It is a ...

  • Christmas Orders for Purity Rings

    19 Nov 2009 | 4:00 pm
    No worries about getting your Christmas orders on time !!   If you choose the option of Express Mail - We are still shipping EXPRESS MAIL on orders received December 22 & 23 to ensure delivery by Christmas Eve (12/24)!! Since ...

  • Must See New Movie - Sarah's Choice

    18 Nov 2009 | 4:00 pm
    Sarah's Choice - the new movie starring Rebecca St. James is a MUST watch. Wow - an amazingly powerful message delivered with humility, grace and God's love ...

  • Inspiring Purity Songs

    30 Aug 2009 | 5:00 pm
    Often when we are at a place of weakness in our lives, the Lord will use worship music to inspire and motivate us.  In my life, time after time it seems that God will play the right song on the ...
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    jonathancliff.com : Life, Ministry, and Life Again

  • Making the Orange

    Jonathan Cliff
    1 Feb 2010 | 11:19 am
    What do you think when I offer you the chance to see the making of an Orange?  What if I change one of those words and offer you a chance to see the Making of The Orange Conference?  Trust me.  You do NOT want to watch this video on how to make an orange germinate and grow much faster.  Really.You do however want to visit www.makingoforange.comIt’s MakingOfOrange.com and it’s a way for people to follow along and participate in the process of planning The Orange Conference.  They will be giving daily updates of what the teams are working on and asking for input along the way.  They…

  • I Forgot

    Jonathan Cliff
    30 Jan 2010 | 8:17 am
    At sometime in the first year of your first child’s life you will forget.  Trust me, it happened to me.  This kid, and the two that followed in the next few years have irrevocably changed my life.  There is no doubt that I am forever altered by them being here with me, but I still forget.What will you forget?  You will forget how much you prayed for them to be here.  I know I did.  My wife and I had prayed for years that we would have children, and then that they would be healthy.  Then when we finally get what we’ve prayed for…we forgot.I watched the following video…

  • Orange One Day Recap

    Jonathan Cliff
    26 Jan 2010 | 7:03 am
    I promise to take a break from all the overtly Orange blog posting over the next few months.  I will however have some giveaways coming up, and some ReThink product reviews before The Orange Conference in April.  Which you should have already registered for, right?Last Thursday I was at the Dallas Orange One Day Event.  Texans know how to pull these things off, and we had over 700 people in attendance.  It was a great time to really focus in on change.  Change is scary, and most of instituting a more Orange environment for our families will result in massive amounts of change.  The…

  • Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

    Jonathan Cliff
    22 Jan 2010 | 6:19 pm
    We have an Orange Week WINNER:Robert, just DM me your mailing address and I’ll get the prize headed your way!If you haven’t already checked it out, then take the time this week to do a google search for “Orange Week“

  • Orange Giveaway!

    Jonathan Cliff
    21 Jan 2010 | 6:45 am
    For this entire week I have written about how I have worked  the 5 Elements of Orange into my ministry strategy.  Catchup on my earlier posts: #1 Integrated Strategy#2 Refine the Message#3 Reactivate the Family#4 Elevate the Community#5 Leverage InfluenceI hope that you’ve taken the time to read and see what everyone else has said this week in regards to these same things.  I’ve tried to share personal experiences, and how I’m trying to effect change from the bottom up.  Just know we’re all in this together!Dan “The Orangest of them All” ScottSam…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Lori's Book Reviews

  • Double Trouble by Susan May Warren

    Lori
    8 Feb 2010 | 12:37 am
    Author: Susan May Warren Publisher: Tyndale House (2010) Category:Fiction Rating: 4 out of 5 stars READ ABOUT THE CONTEST BELOW With one solved case under her belt, Sugar is ready to dive into her career as a private investigator. Or at least a PI’s assistant until she can prove herself to Jeremy Kane, her new boss. Suddenly PJ’s seeing crime everywhere. But is it just in her head, or can she trust her instincts? When she takes on her first official case-house-sitting for a witness in protective custody-Jeremy assures her there’s no danger involved. But it soon becomes clear…

  • Free Kindle Downloads

    Lori
    3 Feb 2010 | 1:21 am
    Here is a list of some free Kindle downloads I saw. These are not books I have read (unless noted), but ones that caught my eye. PLEASE NOTE: The book may no longer be free – offers change QUICKLY. Wow! Some great authors! Daisy Chain by Mary DeMuth is free for the next two weeks. I reviewed the book here. Peculiar Treasures by Robin Jones Gunn Talk of the Town by Lisa Wingate Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate You May Enjoy These Books Also: Free Kindle Downloads Free Kindle Downloads ©2010 Lori's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved.. © Thank you so much for visiting me at Lori's…

  • Listen by Rene Gutteridge

    Lori
    1 Feb 2010 | 12:56 am
    Author: Rene Gutteridge Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers (2010) Category:Fiction Rating: 5 out of 5 stars One thing I love about being a book reviewer is that I am introduced to new authors, but sometimes I have the chance to review a book by an author I have admired for a long time. Renee Gutteridge is one of those authors, she captured my heart at Boo (published September 2003). Both my Mom and I would read her books and call each other to laugh and talk about different scenes in the book we just read. There is only a small handful of authors that I would feel like a giddy school girl if…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Shooting the Breeze

  • Three ways to encourage a blogger

    Kevin
    8 Feb 2010 | 1:32 pm
    Blogging can be very discouraging at times. This is especially true when you feel that you have poured your heart and energy into a post and no one reads it or comments on it. Over the last three years of reading blogs and writing a blog I have learned that there are some important ways that I can encourage a fellow blogger.Here are three ways to encourage a blogger:1. Subscribe This can be done via e-mail, newsletter or RSS. This is the ultimate compliment to a blogger as you are basically saying to them, “I want to check your content out on a regular basis.” I subscribe to every blog…

  • Sermon Synopsis 2/7 - A disciple loves every other disciple

    Kevin
    8 Feb 2010 | 8:37 am
    This morning we are going to be continuing on in our series “What is a disciple?” So far we have seen that a disciple spends time with Jesus and a disciple loves Jesus supremely. Today we are going to look at this characteristic of a disciple: a disciple loves every other disciple. Although love is the thing we need the most, it is usually the thing that we give the least. The others-oriented, giving kind of love that Jesus spoke of is rare. Our society thinks of love primarily in terms of feeling and emotion. But Christian love is much more. It’s a belief and an attitude that we have…

  • Silly Saturday - Guy gets lost during a Knicks game

    Kevin
    6 Feb 2010 | 8:25 am
    This is one of nearly 100 different missions Improv Everywhere has executed over the past eight years in New York City. Others include Frozen Grand Central, the Food Court Musical, and the famous No Pants Subway Ride, to name a few. In this mission, Agent Lathan pretends to get lost during a Knicks game. Throughout the second half he kept appearing further and further away from his assigned seat with a confused look on his face. Check it out:I hope you have a great weekend!

  • Friday Top Five 2/5/10

    Kevin
    5 Feb 2010 | 9:21 am
    Here are some of my favourite posts from this past week:1. Value vs. UsefulnessAuthor: Anne JacksonBlog: FlowerDust.net | Anne Jackson2. You’re not as strong as you thinkAuthor: Peter PBlog: Rediscovering The Church3. Real Leaders Go FirstAuthor: Michael HyattBlog: Michael Hyatt4. Leading Out of Your IcebergAuthor: Pete ScazzeroBlog: Emotionally Healthy Blog5. Conversation Is Essential. Listening is Optional.Author: Brandon CoxBlog: Fuel Your BloggingWhat were some of your favourite posts from this past week?

  • Six warning signs of depression

    Kevin
    4 Feb 2010 | 8:46 am
    Many people struggle with depression. I am one of them. I have shared about my struggle here. Over time, I am slowly beginning to learn the early warning signs/symptoms of when I am heading towards a time of depression. The warning signs/symptoms tell me that I need to get help or I need to stop or I need to change certain things or I need to do all of the above. These warning signs/symptoms don't necessarily prevent my me from having a time of depression but they do help give me the edge and stamina to run through it.Here are my six warnings signs/symptoms that tell me that I am heading…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    I Believe in Miracles

  • Gag Order

    Donna
    22 Jan 2010 | 12:47 pm
    Recently I was interviewed about On My Own Now Ministries. I prepared for the interview in one step: pray. After all, I know OMON like the back of my hand, so all that was left was to ask God to guard my mouth and not let me say anything that I wasn’t supposed to, and conversely, that what I would say be according to His will. I was in town at the appointed hour of the interview, so I sat in my car alone and received the call on my cell – I had four bars. Everything was going pretty well – the interviewer, Mike, asked questions that gave me plenty of room to share some good stuff. We…

  • A Common Predestination

    Donna
    3 Dec 2009 | 11:26 am
    As children of God, we share the same eternal destiny, but did you know that on earth, we all have a common destiny too? In Romans 8:29 we learn that we are “predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son.” Regardless of where we start and how far we get in the game of life, we’re all moving in the same direction – toward being more like Christ. Does that ring true to you? Can you look back over two, five, ten or more years and say, “yes, I am more like Christ than I used to be,”? Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I saw evidence of progress in my life and in that of my family…

  • See Spot Go

    Donna
    28 Sep 2009 | 7:18 am
    About four or six weeks ago, I noticed a spot at the base of my breast that looked like an insect bite, but didn’t really itch. It was about the size of a lentil. It didn’t go away and I realized it wasn’t on the skin, but under the skin. And it got bigger, to about the size of a pea. Last week, God spoke to me to ask for prayer for it. Honestly, it took a lot of courage because I was afraid I would doubt – that’s doubt compounded. But I did pray. Then in prayer meeting on Saturday night, I asked for prayer for it – that the spot would be gone before I go to the doctor next month…

  • Full Circle: The Real Miracle of My Mission Trip to Peru

    Donna
    8 Aug 2009 | 2:09 pm
    Even as I was hauling rock from point A to point B, cutting wire and making rebar columns (see the slide show or video referenced in the post “Mission Accomplished), to help in the construction of a missions school and local church in Cajamarca, Peru, I was aware of a miracle that was drawing to a conclusion, after some 25 years in the making. 25 years ago this fall I started college, with faith and good intentions. 24 years ago this fall, I returned to college with good intentions. 23 years ago this fall, I returned to college… (awkward silence). I don’t blame Drew University, but…

  • Mission Complete (well, Sort of…)

    Donna
    1 Aug 2009 | 3:53 pm
    I could write volumes on all we experienced in helping on the construction of Walking Man Narciso Zamora’s latest project, a local church that will also house an international school of missiology for Latin Americans. But I’ll let a picture speak a thousand words instead. Here are about 124,000 words on the topic! For the cliff notes, see the 3-minute video of just the work - no Machu Picchu shots.
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    creativecommons.org

  • Why Leaders Should Never be Comfortable with “Comfortable”

    Mike Holmes
    8 Feb 2010 | 5:10 pm
    I’m not a morning person. I have to set my alarm earlier than necessary because I know I’ll hit the snooze button several times each morning. Why? Because the bed’s comfortable. I’m more comfortable staying in bed than getting up, taking a shower, and beginning my day. A lot of leaders are stuck in the bed. They’re comfortable with past progress, the people around them, and drawing a pay check. They’re comfortable with the life they’ve made and have no aspirations for getting out and continuing their journey. Quite possibly, comfort is a…

  • How important are E-books for Christian Writers

    Mike Holmes
    7 Feb 2010 | 7:40 am
    TV has gone digital.  Music has gone digital.  Movies have gone digital.  What are you waiting for to make your book digital?  Do you have a book you wrote in the 90’s?  Well, let’s re-release it.  This time let’s try something different.  Offer it digitally.  The results will increase more than your pockets. E-books are great as a marketing tool.  But it is a marketing tool that too needs to be marketed.  E-books are very flexible.  Rather than carrying a big box of heavy books, just bring your laptop, PDA or, even, your mobile phone.  Email it or text in seconds. Would you…

  • How important is listening in your ministry

    Mike Holmes
    6 Feb 2010 | 3:56 pm
    …or business? I went to the doctor yesterday for my annual check up. One thing I could never understand about going to the doctor is waiting for a few hours to be seen for a few minutes!! Nevertheless, I went. When I finally got to the see the doctor I saw about three times (I don’t call him “my doctor” because I doubt I’ve ever had “a doctor”–one to call my own that is) we went through pleasantries and he got around to the fact-finding: “So Mr. Holmes, how are you?” the doctor asked. “I’m great doc, how are you?” I…

  • What does the Bible say about salesmanship?

    Mike Holmes
    4 Feb 2010 | 8:48 am
    With all the strategies and techniques available to the Christian Entrepreneur (offline and online)…it all means NOTHING if not translated into sales. Sales is vital; not just to business but everyday life: A prospect doesn’t become a happy client without a sale The unsaved don’t realize their need for Christ without a sale An interview doesn’t become a job offer without a sale The single become involved when there is a sale…in fact, it moves to marriage through another sale Sales is so important that the Bible goes into great details about it. The Bible? Sales? Huh?! Yup. You heard…

  • My interview with Christian Entrepreneur

    Mike Holmes
    4 Feb 2010 | 6:00 am
    I recently had an interview with Christian Entrepreneur and my life “after the book.” Just thought you’d be interested so here it is. P.S.:  And if you’re not interested…as least pretend you are…sheesh!
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    The Life. Spiritual Refreshment for Christians & the Christian Curious

  • New Zetify Upgrades for Feb. 2010

    1 Feb 2010 | 9:57 am
    I'm happy to announce the following set of exciting enhancements to make your Zetify.com experience faster, easier and better: Facebook login & sign up: You no longer have to enter a bunch of information to join Zetify.  You can login with your Facebook account in one easy click.   New...

  • Obama Church Attendance

    29 Jan 2010 | 1:33 pm
    ABC News posted an article recounting Obama's lack of a church home since the infamous fallout with his hometown church of 20 years.  Personally I don't think it's a big deal.  If the President doesn't like any of the churches in D.C. it's not his fault.  In a city of politics I wonder how many...

  • Tony Dungy is the New Job

    28 Jan 2010 | 10:45 am
    That's Job as in the Bible's Job, not job. ESPN published a phenomenal article about Tony Dungy, the former Indianapolis Colts head coach. Tony Dungy is a lifelong Christian and a shining role model for living the Christian life.  He has a heart for prison ministry and grace.  The article goes on and...

  • I Love Being a Christian

    21 Jan 2010 | 6:15 am
    I love God loves me no matter what I do, as long as I love Him too. I love loving people who talk different, look different, act different; do stupid things, weird things and things I don't understand. I love living in a world with angels, demons and the holy spirit stretching the air. I love giving my time,...

  • Scopes Monkey Trial Part Deux

    20 Jan 2010 | 6:43 am
    More Christian hating article time fun, sponsored by the NY Times. In this epic thriller, a controversial teacher in the small town of Mount Vernon, OH, challenges the establishment by putting the most widely read book in the history of the universe on his desk, the Holy Bible (also the most stolen book). Yes,...
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    RELEVANT Magazine

  • Burn it Down

    5 Feb 2010 | 6:13 pm
    A tear trailed its way down her cheek as she stared into the fire that held the last six years of her life. For three hours, she had stood watching her blood, sweat and tears being reduced to nothing but a pile of ash. At this point she could only comprehend what was going on around her as a ballet of firefighters and police, dancing to a song of sirens and shouting.
They had moved into the house together, the new beginning of a partnership of love. Pouring her heart and soul into every section of living space, she created a home from what was once only wood and brick. It seemed that…

  • The Enemy of Perfection

    4 Feb 2010 | 3:23 pm
    I’ve been called a perfectionist since about third grade. That’s back when I was ferociously memorizing multiplication tables faster than anyone else and acing spelling tests every Friday. Though everyone seemed to say the word with a certain nasally whine, I always responded with a genuine “thank you.” I decided to embrace what I thought was “envy” of my self-described “valiant” pursuit of excellence. Through it all, however, I was still overlooking the truly negative heart of my perfectionism. I always thought I was doing well—pushing myself, bettering my routines,…

  • The Gospel is Not a Quick-Fix

    3 Feb 2010 | 8:56 pm
    The call of Jesus is far more radical than we think. In the neighborhood where I live, people sometimes "flip" a house to make a quick buck. They buy it cheap because it's in bad shape, but rather than fix the structural issues that compromise the house's integrity, they just put some fresh paint on the walls, install a few flashy fixtures, and slap some new vinyl siding on the outside. The house often looks fantastic, but underneath the flash it's still the same old shack. This is what the powers and principalities conspire to do in our lives. They seek to convince us that Jesus is…

  • Mad at God? Really?

    3 Feb 2010 | 5:34 pm
    How have we gotten to the point where we can dismiss the God of the universe simply because we are mad?  How have people, whose responsibility it is to train, teach, and raise Christians, allowed this notion that we can judge God?  Why are we so quick to blame God for things that are on creation, not the Creator?  I don’t know, but there are a few of things that I think every Christian needs to know if they want a personal relationship with the maker of all things. First, there is a difference between voicing your emotional frustration and responding so negatively that we…

  • A Reason for Winter

    1 Feb 2010 | 4:19 pm
    I’ll be completely honest, I hate winter. Not just because I hate the snow, although I really do hate the snow. It’s always funny to me how the snow can make functioning in society even more difficult than it sometimes already is. But mainly, it’s the cold. It’s the bitter and angry winds that tear into my soul, taking every ounce of warmth that lies within. I’ve always associated winter with death, even at the risk of sounding too dramatic. And when all of life has fallen from each limb, when the colors of a beautiful fall fade into nothing, darkness covers what once was joy in my…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    creativecommons.org

  • Why Leaders Should Never be Comfortable with “Comfortable”

    Mike Holmes
    8 Feb 2010 | 5:10 pm
    I’m not a morning person. I have to set my alarm earlier than necessary because I know I’ll hit the snooze button several times each morning. Why? Because the bed’s comfortable. I’m more comfortable staying in bed than getting up, taking a shower, and beginning my day. A lot of leaders are stuck in the bed. They’re comfortable with past progress, the people around them, and drawing a pay check. They’re comfortable with the life they’ve made and have no aspirations for getting out and continuing their journey. Quite possibly, comfort is a…

  • How important are E-books for Christian Writers

    Mike Holmes
    7 Feb 2010 | 7:40 am
    TV has gone digital.  Music has gone digital.  Movies have gone digital.  What are you waiting for to make your book digital?  Do you have a book you wrote in the 90’s?  Well, let’s re-release it.  This time let’s try something different.  Offer it digitally.  The results will increase more than your pockets. E-books are great as a marketing tool.  But it is a marketing tool that too needs to be marketed.  E-books are very flexible.  Rather than carrying a big box of heavy books, just bring your laptop, PDA or, even, your mobile phone.  Email it or text in seconds. Would you…

  • How important is listening in your ministry

    Mike Holmes
    6 Feb 2010 | 3:56 pm
    …or business? I went to the doctor yesterday for my annual check up. One thing I could never understand about going to the doctor is waiting for a few hours to be seen for a few minutes!! Nevertheless, I went. When I finally got to the see the doctor I saw about three times (I don’t call him “my doctor” because I doubt I’ve ever had “a doctor”–one to call my own that is) we went through pleasantries and he got around to the fact-finding: “So Mr. Holmes, how are you?” the doctor asked. “I’m great doc, how are you?” I…

  • What does the Bible say about salesmanship?

    Mike Holmes
    4 Feb 2010 | 8:48 am
    With all the strategies and techniques available to the Christian Entrepreneur (offline and online)…it all means NOTHING if not translated into sales. Sales is vital; not just to business but everyday life: A prospect doesn’t become a happy client without a sale The unsaved don’t realize their need for Christ without a sale An interview doesn’t become a job offer without a sale The single become involved when there is a sale…in fact, it moves to marriage through another sale Sales is so important that the Bible goes into great details about it. The Bible? Sales? Huh?! Yup. You heard…

  • My interview with Christian Entrepreneur

    Mike Holmes
    4 Feb 2010 | 6:00 am
    I recently had an interview with Christian Entrepreneur and my life “after the book.” Just thought you’d be interested so here it is. P.S.:  And if you’re not interested…as least pretend you are…sheesh!
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    (re)made

  • follow

    8 Feb 2010 | 8:40 pm
    Here’s the second post of social media week for ya. This is probably the most important twitter rule of them all and it’s actually the easiest one. But again, this takes time as well. Here it is and it’s gonna be amazing: If you’re nobody, you have to follow other people for them to know who you are. Yep, folks. I know. That was probably the most amazing thing you have ever heard. Think about it for a second though. If you’re not famous, the only way that someone out there is going to know about you is by following that person or replying to them first. The only…

  • making time

    7 Feb 2010 | 10:02 pm
    Welcome to social media week here on jackalopekid.com. The whole week will focus mainly on twitter, but that’s because I spend most of my time on there. I hope you learn something from all of my online experiences and I know I will learn something from you as well. I am no expert at social media by a long shot, but I have had some good things come from it. I’ve made numerous connections online (and some that become off screen meetings), increased blog traffic by a ton, and well frankly, it’s getting my thoughts out there. It’s all great stuff for me but let me tell you…

  • rapture

    5 Feb 2010 | 9:16 am
    My mind wanders a lot. Here’s just a sample- What do you think?

  • irritate

    5 Feb 2010 | 8:14 am
    I know I’m not perfect. I usually find this out right after certain aggravating things happen in life. These certain things make me really angry at everyone within a 5 yard space around me. Here’s some examples: when that adult who knows better still chews like a horse and smacks their food when I lose my keys when the alarm clock forgets to go off for some reason and the list could go on… So, what things in life irritate you?

  • a small difference

    4 Feb 2010 | 8:31 pm
    As I listen to some people I am trying to figure out exactly what they mean by what they are saying. And here’s what I mean by that. Some people when they say something good about themselves it sounds arrogant. Maybe they don’t mean to, but it comes across that way. When I listen to others I can tell there is something like humble confidence. I say “something like humble confidence” because it doesn’t seem to me those two words should ever be used in the same sentence.  I can’t really explain it, but there’s a difference. Do you know what I’m…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Travel Deals Blog BestTravelDeals.net

  • 7 Best Budget NYC Hotels

    Wes Unruh
    9 Feb 2010 | 3:58 am
    Finding a cheap hotel in NYC under $150 / night is easier now than ever with the abundance of travel deals this year. This list of budget hotels include only hotels that are normally under $150/night for every day of the year. The Jane Hotel 113 Jane Street New York, NY 10014 212-924-6700 The Jane Hotel is located in the West Village at 113 Jane Street, at the corner of the West Side Highway. Each cabin comes standard with air conditioning, fan, iPod dock/clock radio, and a compact twin bed with built-in drawers and upper and lower storage space. Union Square Inn Downtown Manhattan on 14th…

  • Travel Deals Roundup – Feb. 8th

    Wes Unruh
    8 Feb 2010 | 10:51 am
    Italy – starting at $799 until February 28 – Explore Sorrento’s ancient beauty with the Dooley Vacations Amalfi Coast Package. Starwood Family Travel Deals – Book before 30 April 2010 and your kids can eat for free and you get 50% off the second room at participating hotels and resorts across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. $327 & up — Royal Carribbean Cruises up to 80% Off exclusive deals on cruises to Mexico, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and beyond. $189 & up — Carnival Cruises with free room upgrades on virtually any Fun Ship…

  • Free Nights on Hundreds of Hotels Worldwide

    Wes Unruh
    8 Feb 2010 | 6:55 am
    Many travelers are spending more time this year researching for great deals, such as exploring new travel destinations to find the best bargains, but these are no out-of-the-way hotels. You can receive a free night’s stay in Amsterdam, throughout the Caribbean, or in one of hundreds of other cities. Through the 22nd of this month, you can find incredible deals on literally hundreds of hotels worldwide. Pay for two nights, get a third free or pay for three nights, get a fourth in cities like Venice, Paris, or Madrid. Remember, if you plan to travel with your family to Paris, you should…

  • How To Access Airport Lounges without a First Class Ticket

    Josh
    8 Feb 2010 | 4:00 am
    via Jannisri Airport lounges are seemingly out of reach for economy class flyers.  These road warriors usually opt for the least worn out chair at their connecting flight’s gate or perhaps a table at the nearest food court.  Without a corporate expense account or trust fund, they think, there is little hope of sitting in a plush chair in a quiet lounge surfing the internet and munching on complimentary snacks. But there are several ways to access these lounges without springing for a first-class ticket.  In fact, with credit cards, club memberships and a variety of pay-in lounges…

  • Homeaway/Griswolds Super Bowl Ad

    Lauren
    7 Feb 2010 | 7:00 am
    There are two types of people in the world – those who watch the Super Bowl for the extreme competition of a coveted prize that most players wait their whole life for, and those who watch for the ads.  This year I’m going to toe the line between both, as my favorite football team always leads me to be disappointed and miserable at the end of every season.  Luckily I never let them bias me in any football pools. (Next year, Eagles, you better not let me down.  Sigh.) Spots during the super bowl reportedly cost $3 million per 30-second ad.  The vacation rental industry has not seen has…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    iChilly

  • …where HE leads…

    Chilly
    8 Feb 2010 | 12:01 pm
    I’ve been intrigued with a familiar passage today… imagine being one of the disciples as Jesus speaks these words: Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, ”If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. 35 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. 36 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? 37 Is anything worth more than your soul? Mark 8:34-37 A few…

  • a superbowl WINNER…

    Chilly
    7 Feb 2010 | 8:03 pm
    An awesome interview of Drew Brees for Fellowship of Athletes (FCA). Click here to view the embedded video. Enough said.

  • Defiled?

    Chilly
    5 Feb 2010 | 11:17 am
    Today’s challenge is simple: Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. ”Listen,”he said, ”and try to understand. 11 It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth” Matthew 15:10-11. Note: “the words that come out of your mouth” includes Facebook, Twitter, Blogs and even the thoughts in your head that come out through body language, posture & attitude… Defiled? Jesus said, “But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. 19 For…

  • two ears, one mouth … HELLO!

    Chilly
    3 Feb 2010 | 5:52 pm
    Today’s reading [Luke 9] was so full of ups & downs … a maybe even a sideways! I just need to say, once again, I LOVE reading God’s Word! Can I get a: WOOF! WOOF!? … ha, I laughed thinking about a bunch of people, in various places, BARKING about the Bible!! So good! Ok, back to the Word: we find, near the end of this crazy good chapter, what is called “The Transfiguration” (sounds like a movie title)… Jesus allows a few of his disciples to see Him glorified and literally converse with Moses & Elijah. Take a moment and try to imagine it…

  • beyond the fringe.

    Chilly
    1 Feb 2010 | 9:54 pm
    Ok, there’s something in today’s reading that is kind of bothering me… “Wherever he went—in villages, cities, or the countryside—they brought the sick out to the marketplaces. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed” Mark 6:56. Now, of course I love the fact that people are getting healed left and right! That’s awesome and definitely something I believe is going to happen soon in and through us here in Detroit! WOOF!! But, what kind of makes me sad is where it says, “They begged…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Foolish Cross

  • What’s New at Foolish Cross?

    Adam
    25 Jan 2010 | 10:58 am
    If you are a regular visitor to Foolish Cross (I know there are at least 5 of you out there), then you have surely noticed some changes today. Over the weekend, FC was moved from Blogger to Wordpress. Though the transition was successfully made (thanks to some help from BLOGBloke), there is still plenty left to do. I hope to tweak, or completely change, the theme you now see. You may have also noticed that all past comments are absent, as I am experiencing some technical difficulties with the migration of comments. I will be working to solve this issue as well. I hope to have these items, and…

  • Churches Helping Churches in Haiti

    Adam
    22 Jan 2010 | 8:08 pm
    via churcheshelpingchurches.com

  • How to Love God

    Adam
    19 Jan 2010 | 11:04 am
    Recently, I started to read Loving God by Charles Colson.  In the introduction, Colson poses a very important question: Do Christians know how to love God? …most of us, as professing Christians, do not really know how to love God.  Not only have we not given thought to what the greatest commandment means in our day-to-day existence, we have not obeyed it.  And if this was true for individual believers, what were the ramifications for the church?  Perhaps the reason the church was so ineffective in the world was that it had the same needs I did.  I look forward…

  • Reading List for Charles Spurgeon Fans

    Adam
    2 Jan 2010 | 1:49 pm
    via theresurgence.com Looking for items to add to your 2010 reading list? The Resurgence has just posted a comprehensive list of everything written by Charles Spurgeon. I expect that even the most intense Spurgeon fans will find something they have yet to read on this list. Enjoy and Happy New Year!

  • Jesus’ Date of Birth

    Adam
    15 Dec 2009 | 10:18 am
    When exactly was Jesus born? Mark Driscoll discusses this question at The Resurgence.  His conclusion?  In the end, the year and date of Jesus’ birth are apparently not a significant issue because God did not find them valued enough to clarify in Scripture, which simply says it happened “in the fullness of time. via theresurgence.com Do you see the year and date of Jesus’ birth as a significant issue? 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Reinvent YOUR Life with Alvin Slaughter

  • Alvin Slaughter-Demand in Your City

    Alvin Slaughter
    15 Jan 2010 | 6:55 pm
    View all Alvin Slaughter tour dates Alvin Slaughter-Demand in Your City is a post from: Reinvent YOUR Life with Alvin Slaughter More articles like this... No related posts.

  • My Chains Are Gone… I’ve Been Set Free

    Alvin Slaughter
    9 Jan 2010 | 7:01 pm
    Don’t click the video… until you read what’s below. Life will overwhelm you. And sometimes fracture you . You won’t always feel strong. Neither did Jesus. He wept for His friend Lazarus. He wept and sweat drops of blood in the garden. Yet He overcame. You know why? Because even though he felt pain, He was determined… committed… and connected to the Source… Abba Father And because He arose… you will rise too. I promise you… if you will only dare believe. Do you? If you will walk in love and righteousness. God will lead you….

  • When I started in music ministry years ago, I didn’t…

    Alvin Slaughter
    4 Jan 2010 | 10:53 pm
    When I started in music ministry years ago, I didn’t do it because I wanted the world to hear my music. I didn’t do it because I thought I had this amazing gift. I was insecure (although I didn’t show it). I was shy (but I worked through it). I didn’t like my voice (but for some reason others were blessed). I didn’t have any money, manager or record label. I DID do it because I loved to make people feel encouraged and inspired and it was where I found God’s favor. So in the middle of all the noise, distractions, disappointments and overwhelm, I did (and…

  • Merry Christmas!

    Alvin Slaughter
    24 Dec 2009 | 1:14 pm
    I just wanted to wish you the happiest of times this Christmas season. I want to wish you and your family and loved ones the absolute best. Taking time to reflect and spend with loved ones is an awesome way to recharge and get motivated to make the coming year an even better one than before. There is always more to be grateful for, more things to try, and more things to learn. Let’s continue to re-invent life together through God’s grace and through the power of His love. I wish you a prosperous new year and plenty of real love to go around. I’m heading out to spend…

  • A Mighty Praise… Is there any other way? I don’t think so!

    Alvin Slaughter
    8 Dec 2009 | 7:21 pm
    A Mighty Praise… Is there any other way? I don’t think so! is a post from: Reinvent YOUR Life with Alvin Slaughter More articles like this... No related posts.
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    LetsMoveToTheMoon

  • Is Anyone Going to Listen to Tim Tebow?

    Steven Rossi
    8 Feb 2010 | 6:24 pm
    In thinking of the Tim Tebow Superbowl ad lately, I’d love to see some numbers someday on how many lives it saved. And yes, I am being genuine—I’m really curious about the influence of something like this on such a significantly deep decision that a woman makes. In general, I’m pretty pessimistic about it. I would love to be proved wrong…seriously. The way I see it, Focus on the Family should probably have donated the 2.x million to an organization like Don Miller’s Mentoring Project or former Survivor Rupert Boneham’s project, Rupert’s Kids,…

  • Is Blogging Wrong?

    Steven Rossi
    4 Feb 2010 | 6:29 pm
    Something else I’ve been thinking about lately: what does having a blog say to the world? Think about this. In starting a personal blog, I’m basically asserting that I have something to say, that you should listen to what I’m telling you for some reason or another. Seems sorta arrogant, doesn’t it? I sat down and listed off some potential messages that I could be communicating in deciding to have my own blog: “I have something to say, you should listen.” “I want people to listen to what I’m saying and to actively engage in the conversations I…

  • Pros and Cons of Multi-Author Blogs?

    Steven Rossi
    26 Jan 2010 | 7:39 pm
    As you can see, it’s been about two weeks since I’ve last blogged. No blog-neglect-apologies for me, though; I’ve had a pretty legitimate reason…you can be praying for my family if you’re so inclined. Anyway, that’s not the point of this post. It just made me consider something: Are multi-author blogs a good idea? Sure, I get that they’re pretty much the norm for larger blogs (i.e., Techcrunch, Lifehacker, etc.), but what about for something slightly less professional, like LetsMoveToTheMoon? Specifically, this blog isn’t exactly some sort of…

  • Context Matters

    Steven Rossi
    9 Jan 2010 | 6:50 am
    Don’t believe context matters? It does. When a 28-year-old man says to you, “This morning I fell down the stairs,” you laugh at him and tell your friends. When an 82-year-old man says to you, “This morning I fell down the stairs,” you gasp and ask if he’s been to the hospital. Context matters. Photo Credit: Auntie P

  • 20+10 Ideas to Make Yourself a More Well-Rounded Person in 2010

    Steven Rossi
    2 Jan 2010 | 3:02 pm
    One of my favorite parts about starting a new year is the number of obnoxious blog posts that offer advice on how to make and follow through with New Years’ resolutions. This year has been no different, and I wanted to add my own pointless opinion to the mess of resolution-related thoughts that you’ll forget tomorrow. Here is my not-that-definitive list of ideas for ways that you (yes, you!) can become a more well-rounded person in two thousand ten. They’re in no particular order, however the first twenty are significantly easier to accomplish. Enjoy. Easy Stuff: Read one…
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    The Underground

  • ACLU loses another lawsuit against a Ten Commandments display

    Sheryl Young
    3 Feb 2010 | 11:00 pm
    In mid-January, the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) lost another case against Ten Commandment monuments on public display. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals found in favor of the defendant in ACLU v. Grayson County, Kentucky. This public display of the Ten Commandments among other documents in a Leitchfield, Ky. courthouse was the subject of one of the ACLU’s  many lawsuits against Bible-based items in public venues. The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit governs Kentucky, Ohio, Tenn.  and Michigan. The Court, in this case, ruled that the presence of the Ten…

  • Kirk Franklin Heads “Artists United” for Haiti

    Josh Givens
    3 Feb 2010 | 11:42 am
    Award-winning Christian gospel, hip hop and R&B singer Kirk Franklin is bringing together artists from around the world to support Haiti. Photo (c) kirkfranklin.com. Multi-Dove Award and Grammy-winning Christian gospel, hip hop and R&B singer Kirk Franklin is heading up a project to provide relief and financial support to earthquake-ravaged Port-au-Prince Haiti, according to his official web site www.kirkfranklin.com. Franklin’s latest single entitled “Are You Listening: A Love Song for Haiti” will feature the voices of over 150 well-known contemporary Christian and gospel…

  • Baptist Americans Arrested for “Answering God’s Call” in Haiti

    Josh Givens
    1 Feb 2010 | 11:03 pm
    A group of ten Americans, most of who hail from Central Valley Baptist Church in Meridian, Idaho, have been arrested and detained in quake-ravaged Haiti after illegally transporting 33 Haitian children into the Dominican Republic, according to CNN, FOX and several other national news outlets. The group was recently released from their cells for brief interviews with reporters. Group leader Laura Silsby, 40, told CNN, “We believe we’ve been charged very falsely with trafficking […]. We literally all gave up everything we had and used our own funds to come here and help these children.”…

  • Jesus Returns to the Silver Screen with “Resurrection of the Christ,” Easter 2011

    Josh Givens
    29 Jan 2010 | 1:12 pm
    "Resurrection of the Christ" will focus on the hours just before and after Jesus' return from the grave. Indie film producer and director Billy McKay, alongside director Jonas McCord (“The Body,” 2001, starring Antonio Banderas), is set to take the reins of “Resurrection of the Christ,” according to weekly entertainment magazine “Variety.” Armed with a $20 million budget, the religious drama is scheduled for a ten week shoot on location in Morocco, Israel and throughout much of Europe, beginning in July. The film is being hailed as the sequel to Director/Producer Mel…

  • Jewish Teen’s prayers cause Terrorism hysteria on airplane

    Sheryl Young
    28 Jan 2010 | 7:28 am
    A Jewish teenager, attempting to say his morning prayers, caused a terrorism alert on a US Airways airplane Thursday. The plane had left New York and was going to Kentucky. Instead, it was redirected to Philadelphia, grounded, and surrounded by local and federal authorities, including dogs sniffing for bombs. The boy had taken out his tefillin, as is stated in the Jewish Torah that every male thirteen and over is supposed to do daily as part of his prayer time. Tefillin are two leather straps attached to small boxes which contain tiny scrolls of biblical passages. The tefillin wrap around the…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Reject Apathy

  • Crying Out in Anger and Hope

    3 Feb 2010 | 6:00 am
    In my short occupation of it, I have learned that social activism can be an angry business. In fact, that's sort of the appeal, sometimes. It feels good to put all your frustration into the condemnation of a particular group or company. I feel like I'm making the world better, while exorcising some negative feelings. Then, sometimes it can be a much less pleasant experience. Being faced with injustice in the world can be overwhelming. It can force me to fight against being overcome with anger, or melancholia.

  • The Good News About Haiti

    3 Feb 2010 | 6:00 am
    In the five years that I have worked with World Vision ACT:S, our campus activism network, I have never seen as much generosity from my generation as I am seeing now. In response to the worst natural disaster in our hemisphere in the past century, more than 200 campus groups within our network alone have organized prayer gatherings, benefit concerts, and fundraisers.

  • You Get What You Go For

    3 Feb 2010 | 5:00 am
    The bow of the ship was slippery from the spray of the sea and the rain that had just fallen. Everyone else was inside, down below, while my legs dangled over the front of the boat. I had never been sailing before—none of us had. As we serenely continued the remaining day of our sail, I watched the blurry line of white fog meet the grey-blue ocean on the horizon. It was the first calm day in a while and after endless days of seasickness, I was happy to be outside, staring into a vast nothingness. I was glad to no longer be staring down into a yellow plastic bucket.

  • Confessions of a Tree Hugger

    3 Feb 2010 | 5:00 am
    I grew up an earth user. Along with millions of other Americans from my generation, I shamelessly tossed out my fast food trash on the highways and byways as I traveled along, singing a song.

  • A Step Toward Practical Justice

    3 Feb 2010 | 4:00 am
    Three blocks from my house there is a garden. It’s about two acres of dirt that sits at the corner of a racially charged section of my city, Lexington, Kentucky. It is ground owned by a congregation that, in the past, has acted in ways that made the racial tension worse; they are now seeking to change that dynamic.
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Life Changing Truths

  • How Can You Love Yourself?

    admin
    5 Feb 2010 | 10:02 am
    What if you could love yourself just as God loves you? How would that change your life? God created us a loving beings. When He created you before the beginning of time, He made you to love Him, yourself and one another. So how does God want you to love yourself? God loves you unconditionally. No [...]

  • What Do You Want?

    admin
    3 Feb 2010 | 9:48 am
    I really want to know what you want. I am doing this to get a better feel for who you are and would like to know how I can help you. The best way to find out is by asking you a few simple questions. If you want me to share more life changing truths, [...]

  • Will You Join Me On This Journey?

    admin
    31 Jan 2010 | 9:05 pm
    Right now I am in the process of making some of the biggest decisions in my life. A few weeks ago, I just had to be honest with myself and take a close look at my life. What I saw, I wasn’t completely pleased with, so I chose to do this ONE thing. I needed to [...]

  • Who Is God?

    admin
    29 Jan 2010 | 10:05 am
    If someone asked you to describe Who God is, what would you say? The best way to describe Him is to say what God says about Himself. Let’s take a look at the Bible and see what the Truth says about God. A few years ago, I invested several weeks researching the Bible to find out [...]

  • How Great Is God?

    admin
    27 Jan 2010 | 9:43 am
    No matter what problems you are facing right now, God is greater. If you are looking for solutions, God has the answers. I know what its like to face overwhelming circumstances, but I also know God can handle all of them. Would you like to know how great God can be in your life? You can [...]
 
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    LIFE, LOVE & TRUTH

  • Haiti – Shock, Awe & Burning Questions

    Jeff Courter
    17 Jan 2010 | 8:36 am
    In the aftermath of Haiti's horrifying earthquake, let's talk about tough questions that trouble many of us when disasters strike. But let's not overlook what we can do to help Haiti find hope for the future.

  • 1984 Redux – Lessons for Terrorists

    Jeff Courter
    14 Jan 2010 | 8:49 am
    What's ahead for Afghanistan - and other oppressed people of the world? History gives us some clues. So does a haunting message from classic literature...

  • The Promise of 2010 – Is Enough Finally ENOUGH?

    Jeff Courter
    1 Jan 2010 | 10:09 am
    As we enter a new year and a new decade, it's the perfect time to rethink our priorities. It's time to demonstrate that we love people more than things. It's time to simplify.

  • A Very Muslim Christmas – Why Not?

    Jeff Courter
    29 Dec 2009 | 10:34 am
    The Christmas holiday may be behind us. But that doesn't mean the spirit can't live on. And it doesn't mean we can't share it with Muslims - or anyone else who seeks a more peaceful, loving world!

  • The Gift of Christmas – Way Beyond a Birthday

    Jeff Courter
    25 Dec 2009 | 8:26 am
    In Christian theology, what concept makes the most difference in our lives (or ought to)? One word: Incarnation. Let's discuss.
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    Faith Barista

  • Lemonade Dreams

    Bonnie Gray
    8 Feb 2010 | 11:02 pm
    “I have spread my dreams under your feet. Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.” ~ W.B. Yeats Do you remember the first time you made lemonade? When I was a kid, it never took more than a few minutes.   Before commercials finished flashing on the TV, I was able to whip myself up pink lemonade and hop back in time for Bugs Bunny’s last cartoon. I’d run to the fridge, open up the freezer and grab myself a can of concentrate lemonade, courtesy of Minute Maid.  It took practice to get that tin cover off. Then, I’d pop the sludge of sticky, gooey yellow out…

  • Are You a Book Lover? 14 Books That Changed My Life

    Bonnie Gray
    8 Feb 2010 | 11:39 am
    “Only in books has mankind known perfect truth, love and beauty.” ~ George Bernard Shaw It’s black. Smudgy.  If you’re unlucky enough to have it riding in your pocket, you’ll find that it’s also staining.  It can steal your heart and leave you wanting more.  Despite eyes drooping with sleepy sand, it’s words keep you up into the ungodly hours.  They will call out to you like a lover, pulling you miles away as you stand there putting gas in your car or in between bites of a sandwich. Ink love. Have you been captured under it’s spell? Noun 1.

  • Friendship Is Like Dating

    Bonnie Gray
    3 Feb 2010 | 12:05 am
    “Take my love, for love is everlasting. And remember the truth that once was spoken; to love another person is to see the face of God. ~ From Les Miserables Friendship and love are pretty much identical twins.  You can’t find one without the other.  And it’s very hard to tell the two apart. A quick glance at this happy pair, you’ll find their features quite striking – *  You can pick the target of your affection, but the other still has to choose you back. *  The beginning requires risk and effort. *   Secrets are shared and the unspoken is protected. *  …

  • Falling Divinely In Love

    Bonnie Gray
    1 Feb 2010 | 10:40 pm
    “I cannot fix the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew I had begun.” ~ Jane Austen I love taking pictures.  It’s really to my detriment.  If we happen to be perched on our chairs, chatting over a cup of coffee, beware.   Right before you take a bite into your cinnamon twist, I might just ask you to hold it right there. Falling in love is a lot like taking pictures.  As it’s happening, it’s hard to freeze the moment and capture it in a still.  A big part of good…

  • 14 Days Of Irresistible

    Bonnie Gray
    1 Feb 2010 | 12:05 am
    “Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.”  ~ Robert Frost It’s simply unavoidable.  Maybe it’s the heart shaped boxes that pop in our heads at the mention of Valentine’s Day.  Honestly, who can stay temperate around the thought of chocolates waiting inside, ready to stick to our fingers with the sweet smell of cocoa and sugar? The month of love has brushed up against our door steps, seeping through the cracks of our closed, practical days.  It threatens to blow the doors of romance open.  Have we left it ajar? Somewhere deep inside us is…
  • add this feed to my.Alltop
    THE CHRISTIAN WATCHMAN

  • BOOK REVIEW: LEARNING TO SOAR.

    emmage
    7 Feb 2010 | 7:43 am
    Learning to Soar: How to Grow through Transitions and Trials BOOK REVIEW: Learning to Soar. Authored by Avery T. Willis Jr. & Matt Willis; Published by NavPress. Synopsis: How to grow through Transition and Trials. A constant reminder for today’s Christian living, from the relationship between an eaglet and its parent. I quite enjoyed reading the book as it leaves one with that "tantalizing” after-taste” derived from an exotic dish. Co-authored with a blend of generational views the result of which is plausible; as the younger Willis, (who understands the ideology of any growing…

  • THE MOMENT GOD STEPS-IN....

    emmage
    5 Feb 2010 | 1:37 pm
    THE MOMENT GOD STEPS IN.... The aftermath of the World economic crisis in many respect has surely been felt right through the spectrum of the human echelon.Both the rich and poor alike unspared of heavy battering by the overwhelming wrath of its forces. Interestingly there are only feeble resurgent signs of growth shown in few countries while scrambling for survival is still the order of the day in others, as the later painstakingly wade through the murky waters; licking the wounds from the last decade. Ironically in the midst of this recovery process, there are some nefarious characters who…

  • EVER BEEN LOST IN YOUR DREAMS? Part ii.

    emmage
    3 Feb 2010 | 3:40 pm
    Minding my own business whilst having a quick brunch at the cafe, is one of those "me" times. I savour such periods when I’m away from the family. This “me” times don’t particularly turn out as I greedily wish, for God is always going to be at the table with you. He makes every bite taste deliciously suspenseful! As if in a movie, where an informant divulges a secret to his agent; God's voice spoke clearly into my hearing as I took my first few bites. He gave me the profile of those He's chosen to rescue that hour at the cafe. CASE PROFILES: * "The lady seating to your right used to…

  • DECIPHERING GOD TWEETS!

    emmage
    1 Feb 2010 | 3:56 pm
    DECIPHERING GOD TWEETS! This short post calls for a deep musing. Bible Ref:Proverbs 25:2 (Amplified Bible) *It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out a thing. In today's politics blame game is the order of the day. And this eats deep into the fabric of future growth like a blood sucking leech! As the kids of today detest the bickerings and slanders of today. But Heavens isn't so! God has always been in one accord with the Son, and the Holy Ghost from eternity. In another development,what can any Christian answer the agnostic asking:"how can your God of…

  • THE DREAMLAND GOURMET!

    emmage
    30 Jan 2010 | 12:46 pm
    We needn't be super-christians to interpret dreams so long we're on God's side, the Holy Spirit is our counselor. Even familiar spirits are there for palmists and psychics to help manipulate ignorant souls. Yet its amazing how many senior citizens are able to sense when their exit approaches, but limited when it comes to predicting the exact time when the departure will be. Jesus Christ alerted us about the operations of dream caterers who come to manipulate; contaminate, and contort spiritual lives with the intent to kill spiritual revival, and plague their victims with short to life-long…
 
Log in