Christianity

• Most Topular Stories

• The Clap Offering.

  Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff

  jon acuff

  27 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am

  (It’s guest post Friday! Here’s one from Ben Cotten. He writes a blog over at bencotten.net. If you want to write a guest post for SCL, here’s how!) The Clap Offering – By Ben Cotten I grew up in a non-denominational church that did “modern” worship before it was cool. Granted, what we did wasn’t exactly Hillsong United, but it did involve an overhead projector and a PA system. It was the 7-11 approach to worship music. 7 words, sung 11 times. Remember “I Exalt Thee”? Ever heard that song done 11 times with a polka beat? You haven’t lived. A lot of things have changed…

• Q&A – What is God’s relationship to time?

  Prodigal Magazine

  admin

  20 May 2010 | 10:46 am

  Answer: We live in a physical world with its four known space-time dimensions of length, width, height (or depth) and time. However, God dwells in a different dimension—the spirit realm—beyond the perception of our physical senses. It’s not that God isn’t real; it’s a matter of His not being limited by the physical laws and dimensions that govern our world (Isaiah 57:15). Knowing that “God is spirit” (John 4:24), what is His relationship to time?In Psalm 90:4, Moses used a simple yet profound analogy in describing the timelessness of God: “For a thousand years in Your sight…

• 15 Funniest People On Twitter That Keep It Clean

  Big Is The New Small

  Scott Williams

  27 Jan 2012 | 7:22 am

  Laughter is good for the soul and there is nothing better than a good laugh.  Laughter is seriously a smile that can’t control itself.  The best kind of funny is the clean, witty type of funny. Laughter is one of those things that can infiltrate all aspects of your life if you will allow it.  The optimist laughs to forget while the pessimist forgets to laugh.  Don’t forget to laugh, and if you’re the one creating the funny, don’t forget to keep it clean. “Nothing shows a man’s character more than what he laughs at.”  ~J. Wolfgang I wanted to get somewhat…

• Getting Ready for Lent – What Do We Hunger and Thirst For?

  Godspace

  Christine Sine

  27 Jan 2012 | 10:33 am

  Lent is Coming We are rapidly moving towards Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday on February 22nd. This is the season that most challenges us to reflect on our faith and renew our commitment to follow Jesus. Once again I want to invite you to participate with me in Lenten reflections that challenge us to take our following of Jesus more seriously. Last year our theme was: Following Jesus What Difference Does it Make. The theme for this year is: Easter is Coming – What Do We Hunger and Thirst For?  When reading  Ancient Christian Devotional: A Year of Weekly Readings. a couple of…

• 30 Signs You May Be Struggling With Sexual Addiction

  All Blogs - XXXchurch

  28 Jan 2012 | 4:08 am

  1. You are adamant that it is not your issue 2. Your eyes scan every woman who walks into the room 3. You unexpectedly go silent 4. You find yourself searching for sexual partners online just for research 5. You go out of your way to drive by strip clubs 6. You call escorts to ask questions without making a commitment 7. You erase your temporary Internet history daily 8. You only search the web after clicking on the “start private browsing” tab 9. You masturbate every day or every other day 10. Whenever you are alone you look at porn 11. You schedule your day around when you will…

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  WORLDMag.com

• New aggressor

  Edward Lee Pitts

  26 Jan 2012 | 10:39 pm

  Romney gets fired up in Florida as he tries to regain frontrunner status

• One year later

  Jamie Dean

  25 Jan 2012 | 12:50 pm

  Egyptians mark the first anniversary of protests that started a revolution

• Fairness doctrine

  Edward Lee Pitts

  25 Jan 2012 | 7:06 am

  Obama's SOTU address calls for more government to level the playing field

• Role reversal

  Edward Lee Pitts

  23 Jan 2012 | 11:10 pm

  Romney became the aggressor and Gingrich the defender in Monday's debate

• Rain nor sleet ...

  Emily Belz

  23 Jan 2012 | 5:42 pm

  March for Life has massive turnout, but clouds of a decision hang overhead

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  A Holy Experience

• Links for 2012-01-27 [del.icio.us]

  28 Jan 2012 | 2:00 am

  Life-impacting Reads ...the publishing company "Doorposts" -- whose resources we have gratefully used throughout the years -- shares life-impacting reads

• weekends are for unfolding

  Ann Voskamp

  28 Jan 2012 | 1:17 am

  M ay all your wanderings this weekend, kindest friends …. simply take the time to quietly unfold into all His light…   All is grace because of Christ alone, Beauty for the Weekend : Take a deep long breath… relax.. and come watch the sunrise? It’s a brand new day, full of His mercies! Creative Inspiration for the Weekend :  Smile and throw your head back and laugh — because  don’t you know this? … then maybe you can even grab 5 minutes to make this three-cut waterfall vest out of t-shirt? (Oh, if I can find a t-shirt here, I’m going to…

• Links for 2012-01-26 [del.icio.us]

  27 Jan 2012 | 2:00 am

  Ah, the whole earth, the whole earth! Full of His glory... Breathaking timelapse video of Yosemite. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. *Beautiful*... (HT: Sophie) How the Word Tranforms (& Verse Cards for the Book of James) @The Wellspring... "I don’t know the way to transformation without the Word." Laura Boggess took up the challenge last year to memorize Colossians with us. And memorizing Scripture is what gave her truth in a dark hour. Beautiful story, deep truth. (And if you'd like to memorize James?) Memorize with us? For When You Feel Discouraged… @ Inspired…

• What a Parent Wants to Say Before a Child Leaves

  Ann Voskamp

  26 Jan 2012 | 9:31 am

  Dear Son — who is called to climb a thousand walls, You have to know how your unfolding from me was a miracle. That’s the miraculous thing about miracles – they really do happen. How is it in this crazy, holy world does a girl-woman bear a boy-child? How does she raise a squalling boy-child into a man? I’ve never been one of those. And this the thing: there’s only so much time to go from point A to point B. How did I waste so many days? How do I make you know everything you need to know before you go? How to love a woman and when to say yes and when to wear black socks instead…

• The 1 Habit More Important than Quiet Time? {Memorize the Mount: Free Memory Booklet}

  Ann Voskamp

  25 Jan 2012 | 10:59 am

  Who memorizes God in the age of Google? For a week, longer, I wake with these fears choking hard. Fears pushing me into the pit. And it comes while I struggle to get out of bed, comes early as the light pries back the dark, words we’ve been committing to heart — and I murmur them, hold onto them like a lifeline tossed: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the… ” And I smooth out the bedsheets and everything calms, His Word stilling my storm… That is what we are: Blessed. Blessed. Blessed. I’m learning by…

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  Stuff Christians Like - Jon Acuff

• SCLQ – Parades

  jon acuff

  28 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am

  Two weeks ago, I mentioned Bob Goff as someone who inspires me. And part of the reason I dig Bob so much is his undying love for parades. (If you read Donald Miller’s book A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, then you know about the Goff family’s parade tradition.) The short story is they started a parade in their neighborhood. And the only rule is that no one is allowed to watch, but anybody can participate. That sounds silly, but years later hundreds of people have joined this New Year’s Day tradition and discovered the joy of being in a parade with lots of lots of people you love.

• The Clap Offering.

  jon acuff

  27 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am

  (It’s guest post Friday! Here’s one from Ben Cotten. He writes a blog over at bencotten.net. If you want to write a guest post for SCL, here’s how!) The Clap Offering – By Ben Cotten I grew up in a non-denominational church that did “modern” worship before it was cool. Granted, what we did wasn’t exactly Hillsong United, but it did involve an overhead projector and a PA system. It was the 7-11 approach to worship music. 7 words, sung 11 times. Remember “I Exalt Thee”? Ever heard that song done 11 times with a polka beat? You haven’t lived. A lot of things have changed…

• SCLQ – What we hear.

  jon acuff

  26 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am

  A few months ago I wrote a post called “Hearing your name for the first time.” It was about how the prodigal son thought he was no longer worthy to be called a son, and how God kept saying “you are mine” over and over again in response. And though it’s not Wednesday, I found two videos that captures that moment perfectly. Because along the way we all hear voices. Voices that tell us we’re not good enough for God. Or we’ve blown it too many times to ever step through the doors of a church. Or if we could just stop doing that thing we keep doing, God would be happy with us. Some…

• My new problem with rap music.

  jon acuff

  25 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am

  A weird thing happened to my generation. A lot of us grew up thinking of church as strict and fundamentalist and a buzz kill. Christians got a reputation of being hypocritical and close minded and constantly protesting anyone who didn’t agree with them. You drink beer? Enjoy your fold out couch in hell. You watch movies that aren’t rated G? Gonna be a hot one in the fiery furnace. You listen to music that’s not Christian? It starts with “h” and ends in “ades.” Was everyone’s church experience like this? Not at all. But for me and a large group of people, this was the…

• Direct depositing your tithe.

  jon acuff

  24 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am

  I feel like over the years of SCL rambunctiousness I’ve been pretty clear about two t-shirts I think Christians should make. Here’s what the t-shirts would say on the front: 1. “I attend night services at church.” This one would allow you to jog on Sunday morning without getting judged by people driving to church. (e.g. “me”) Because my first thought is never, “I bet that runner went to church on Saturday night.” My first thought is usually, “Worshipping at the temple of flat abs? I see. Good to know.” 2. “I direct deposit my tithe.” This would allow you to hot potato…

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  Acton Institute - Acton promotes sound economic thinking and an awareness of the moral underpinnings necessary for a free society.

• An Unconscionable Threat to Conscience

  Acton Web

  25 Jan 2012 | 10:59 am

  by Donald P. Condit In May 2009, President Obama delivered the commencement address at the University of Notre Dame where he proclaimed, to naïve applause: “Let's honor the conscience of those who disagree with abortion, and draft a sensible conscience clause, and make sure that all of our health care policies are grounded not only in sound science, but also in clear ethics … ” You might also like... A Prescription for Health Care Reform Business and Society read more

• Despite Economic and Social Ills, Blacks Give Obama a Pass

  Acton Web

  25 Jan 2012 | 10:58 am

  by Anthony B. Bradley With the approach of Black History Month we are reminded of the historic presidency of Barack Obama, the nation’s first African-American president. Some black leaders, however, believe that Mr. Obama has let the black community down. For example, prominent voices like Dr. Cornell West and PBS’s Tavis Smiley, former supporters of Obama, believe that having a black president has not led to significant progress for blacks. You might also like... Black and Tired: Essays on Race, Politics, Culture, and International Development Business and Society read more

• The Problem with Compassionate Conservatism

  Acton Web

  18 Jan 2012 | 9:55 am

  by Samuel Gregg The rise — at least temporarily — of Rick Santorum has given rise to speculation of late, most notably by David Brooks, that it might facilitate a rethinking on the right about how America addresses some of the hard-to-deny social pathologies that characterize much of American society. Chiming in to this debate is Michael Gerson. Business and Society read more

• Caring For the Common Good: Why It’s Important To Integrate Faith, Work, and Economics

  chrisrobertson

  12 Jan 2012 | 9:34 am

  Event Schedule 2pm - Economics 101 For the Theologian by Mr. Matt Zainea 3:30 pm - Panel Discussion moderated by Dr. Stephen Grabill. Panel members include Cedarville professors Dr. Jeff Haymond and Dr. Bert Wheeler along with Mr. Zainea and Mr. Rudy Carrasco. This conference is free and open to the public. Event Date:  January 31, 2012 - 2:00pm5:00pm Location:   Cedarville University Cedarville University, Stevens Student Center Event Rooms Cedarville, OH Click here for a Campus Map Parking is available in the lot by the Stevens Student Center. The Acton Institute will hold a…

• Ministers of Common Grace

  Acton Web

  11 Jan 2012 | 8:54 am

  by Jordan Ballor In a recent essay, Bryan Fischer makes the controversial claim that the president of the United States should be seen as a “minister of God.” Citing Romans 13:6, which reads that “the authorities are God’s servants” (NIV), or that “the authorities are ministers of God” (ESV), Fischer, a radio host for the American Family Association, concludes that “if we allow the Scriptures to speak for themselves, we are in fact choosing a minister when we select a president.”< You might also like... Wisdom & Wonder: Common…

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  Baptist Standard

• Rebranding brings cowboy church to the city

  26 Jan 2012 | 11:17 pm

  When Faith Temple Baptist Church in Irving decided to rebrand itself as Western Heritage Church, they found the community was intrigued by a cowboy church in the city.

• Pro-life, pro-choice speakers urge common ground on abortion

  24 Jan 2012 | 3:16 am

  After nearly 40 years of polarization over abortion, two speakers at a Mercer University event said Jan. 24 it is time for people who are pro-choice and pro-life to seek common ground to reduce the current number of 1.2 million abortions a year.

• Harold Branch, African-American Texas Baptist pioneer, dies at age 92

  22 Jan 2012 | 11:06 pm

  Harold Branch, the first African-American officer of the Baptist General Convention of Texas died Jan. 20 in Corpus Christi—a community he served in various capacities since 1956. He was 92.

• EDITORIAL: Good answers from our new exec

  20 Jan 2012 | 10:14 pm

  David Hardage said the right thing shortly after Texas Baptists' Executive Board elected him executive director: I don't know.

• CBF search committee seeks input

  20 Jan 2012 | 1:10 am

  A 10-member committee seeking a successor to Daniel Vestal as the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship executive coordinator met for the first time in Dallas in early January.

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  Menlo Park Presbyterian Church Sermon-Cast

• Unbroken: Lessons From Louis

  24 Jan 2012 | 5:31 pm

  A conversation between John Ortberg and Louis Zamperini about his remarkable life and how he has survived and how God has saved and blessed him.Check out our weekly audio podcast HERE. You can follow us on Twitter: @MPPC_ODC or on Facebook or on Google+.There are several ways that you can go deeper and pursue more on this subject. One is to join a small group. You can find information on MPPC small groups here.

• Unbroken: Lessons From Prison

  22 Jan 2012 | 3:28 pm

  There are many lessons to learn from the life of Louis Zamperini and the time that he spent as a prisoner of war. We might not spend time in literal prison but we are often trapped by other captors like addictions, resentment, sin and others. Features scripture from Ephesians 6:12, Matthew 5:7, Luke 6:27, John 3:16, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 8:28. Check out our weekly audio podcast HERE. You can follow us on Twitter: @MPPC_ODC or on Facebook or on Google+.There are several ways that you can go deeper and pursue more on this subject. One is to join a small group. You can find information on…

• Unbroken: Lessons From The Raft

  8 Jan 2012 | 7:36 pm

  We begin our series called, "Unbroken" with a look at the life of Louis Zamperini and the hardships that we all face. What can we do and what should we do when we come to the end of our rope? Where can we find God when enduring trials.Features scripture from Romans 5:3-7, Proverbs 24:10, Proverbs 17:3, Revelation 3:17, Romans 8:21-23, Romans 8:37-39. Check out our weekly audio podcast HERE. You can follow us on Twitter: @MPPC_ODC or on Facebook or on Google+.There are several ways that you can go deeper and pursue more on this subject. One is to join a small group. You can find information on…

• The Edge of the Pool

  1 Jan 2012 | 2:44 pm

  New Year's resolutions are usually focused on ways in which we want to make ourselves better. But do we really want to change? Do we really want to be healed? This is what Jesus asks a lame man that he meets. Chris Sturgeon teaches on on this passage from John 5.Check out our weekly audio podcast HERE. You can follow us on Twitter: @MPPC_ODC or on Facebook as well.There are several ways that you can go deeper and pursue more on this subject. One is to join a small group. You can find information on MPPC small groups here.

• Song of the Angels

  1 Jan 2012 | 1:33 pm

  Pastor Frank VanderZwan delivers the Christmas Day Message with a look at the song of the angels.Check out our weekly audio podcast HERE. You can follow us on Twitter: @MPPC_ODC or on Facebook as well.There are several ways that you can go deeper and pursue more on this subject. One is to join a small group. You can find information on MPPC small groups here.

• 

  Brian McLaren EMC

• Another Major Announcement

  plushy55@yahoo.com

  28 Jan 2012 | 6:18 am

  In addition to recent news about my new partnership with Life in the Trinity Ministry, I want to let everyone know about the final title and release date for my upcoming book. The title will be ... Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road? Christian Identity in a Multi-Faith World The release date will be September 11, 2012. We've had a number of advance readers respond to the book, and comments have ranged from "this is Brian's most important book yet" to "this is the book we have been waiting for." Stay tuned for pre-order information.

• Q & R: A recovering Modern raising kids ...

  plushy55@yahoo.com

  27 Jan 2012 | 6:42 am

  Q & R: I am a happily recovering Modern who is raising 6 children in a Post Modern world. They are asking different questions than I ever imagined as a young adult and I am looking for some recommendations on books that address parenting in the Post Modern Context. As a recovering religion junky I don't often feel I am parenting from a position of strength. My wife and I have always viewed our resources as gifts from God that we must steward and I believe have been model Kingdom Citizens. It is not my example I am concerned with but my ability to have conversation with my kids that aren't…

• I get this ...

  plushy55@yahoo.com

  26 Jan 2012 | 1:35 am

• Veterans today have the highest suicide rate of any demographic group ... in US history

  plushy55@yahoo.com

  25 Jan 2012 | 8:48 am

  That's why I'm a big supporter of Centurion's Guild. A group called Centurion's Guild is trying to move the Church toward deeper reflections on war and peace, as well as begin to embody a different way of journeying with service members, carefully but deliberately. They are currently trying to raise funds for a.) web presence from which to share resources and b.) materials for their care packages. They have set up a Kickstarter-like "crowd-funding" campaign at Helpers Unite. Check it out - and I hope you'll consider supporting them. http://www.helpersunite.com/projects/76-centurion-s-guild

• Q & R: Is Jesus more of a Democrat, Republican, or Libertarian?

  plushy55@yahoo.com

  25 Jan 2012 | 8:21 am

  Here's the Q: I apologize I have about a page here... but there's much to say in order to get my question across. If you are unable to respond I understand. Comment: First, I want to thank you very much for your contribution to the Christian community. You have played a major role in causing me to see the scriptures a bit differently, and not be afraid to ask questions, to possibly be open to being misguided, as well as seeing the gospel of Christ through a new lense. I especially enjoyed your book 'A New Kind of Christianity'. Thank you! Question: Second, I wanted to ask a question on…

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  Global Feed

• Cultivating a Culture of Adoption

  26 Jan 2012 | 10:49 am

• Charitable Communication Within the PCA

  26 Jan 2012 | 10:48 am

  On January 17, a diverse group of about 50 PCA ministers came together in Atlanta for a five-hour Meeting of Understanding to discuss the present challenges of ministry and fellowship within our Church family. A number of people have expressed interest in knowing more about the get-together.

• Reformed Theological Seminary Reaching Out to Train African-American Pastors

  26 Jan 2012 | 10:10 am

  I’ve been appreciative over the years of RTS’ effort to recruit and prepare more African American men for the pastorate.

• Choose the General Assembly Topic for Civil Conversation

  26 Jan 2012 | 10:03 am

  The PCA 2010 Strategic Plan called for "public forums at General Assembly to test new ideas without vote, offering charitable judgments among elders in the fellowship of ministry."

• CMC Approves AC Funding Proposal: Plan to be Presented to 2012 Assembly

  24 Jan 2012 | 9:05 am

  The Cooperative Ministries Committees (CMC) approved a proposal for funding the Administrative Committee (AC) at its annual meeting last Wednesday, January 18.

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  Heather A Goodman

• In Which Keegan Keeps Me up All Night by Not Waking

  heather

  23 Jan 2012 | 10:39 am

  The past couple of days, Keegan’s been refusing to nurse, and I didn’t know how this would break my heart. Sure, he could be teething, and perhaps he’ll resume, but he could also be done. I had no warning. I thought I’d have more time to watch how he watches me, how he plays with my hair (pulls, yanks, strips it from my head) while nursing, how I cuddle him close to me, how he sometimes falls asleep. And this is motherhood: little goodbyes as they grow up and start walking then start walking away from you. How does a heart handle this? So last night, I woke up when I…

• To Being Known

  heather

  19 Jan 2012 | 1:43 am

  Since it’s 1:00 in the morning and I can’t sleep–the reason that I can’t sleep isn’t important (thank you, insurance company of man who rear-ended my husband and son, and may a camel spit in your eye)–and tomorrow will be miserable because of this lack of sleep and I’m not working on my teaching as I should be because I told Chris that if I committed to teaching this semester I’d have at least three, no four, lessons done before we started and I haven’t started on next week’s lesson and next week is the third week, I thought…

• In Which I Throw Chris Under the Bus and Go on a Christian Verbage Rant

  heather

  12 Jan 2012 | 11:52 am

  A recent conversation: Chris (to Keegan): You’re doing so good, my boy! Me: So well. Chris: Your mom doesn’t want me to teach you how to speak normal. Me: Normally. I realize I’m throwing Chris under the bus here, but it made me laugh, this and conversations like it in which I attempt to use correct grammar so that we may teach our son when to say “to whom” and when to say “who,” when to use “I” and “me,” the difference between an adverb and an adjective. Not to use “literally” when he’s speaking…

• My Son, the Artist

  heather

  9 Jan 2012 | 11:27 am

  The music plays, and Keegan dances. He dances to Tchaikovsky and Veggie Tales. He dances to jazz and to Kid’s Praise. He dances to his maracas. He dances to the jingles on his toys. He dances to the motor of the blender and to the click of the refridgerator. To Keegan, everyday sounds aren’t random noises; they’re music. And music calls for dancing. Perhaps influenced by John Cage (best known for his 4’33” piece) or the composers of musique concrete, Keegan rejoices in the sounds around him. Or perhaps he hears the praise of the trees clapping their hands, the…

• Seasonal Faves

  heather

  13 Dec 2011 | 10:58 am

  I dreamed last night that I blogged. Who says you can’t make your dreams come true? Rather than offer up the repetitious excuses of why I’ve been tacit here, I thought I’d spend the time reveling in my favorite time of year: Christmas. I’ve always loved Christmas. I turn into this sentimental sap, and I confess, my tastes can go a bit Norman Rockwell for the month. I eat up all the ABC Family Christmas movies (not to mention the old standards like White Christmas, Rudolph, and now, Elf). I fill my Pandora radio stations with classic Christmas standards, Indie holiday…

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  CatalystSpace | Catablog

• End of the Week Links

  info@catalystspace.com

  27 Jan 2012 | 9:03 am

  From Catalyst: 7 Steps For Creating a Creative System to be Creative by Jeremie Kubicek SHARE YOUR CATALYST STORY OF IMPACT!!! Apply to be a Catalyst INTERN! Beyond the Words- the Truth of a Story by Aaron Harris Wow, It's been 21 Years by Christine Caine   From the Web: Poisonous Root by Pete Wilson Why Vision is More Important Than Strategy by Michael Hyatt 21 Essential Community Management Resources from Mashable People Matter- 3 Temptations Leaders Face 3 Relevant Ways to Gain Influence by Tim Peters

• Super Early Bird Deadline + Win TWO Tickets to One Day ATLANTA

  info@catalystspace.com

  26 Jan 2012 | 8:15 am

  TODAY is the SUPER Early Bird Deadline for Catalyst ONE DAY ATLANTA. This is your chance to get the best rates on Catalyst ONE DAY tickets. Catalyst ONE DAY Atlanta is focused on practical leadership. Andy Stanley & Craig Groeschel will be sharing their experience, insights & strategies for creating healthy culture. Not only will you be learning from their personal experience, there will be multiple sessions of Q&A and candid conversation. See what attendees in Houston said about their experience. For more info, call us up! 678.225.3130 and ask for Jon Hout or go online:…

• Do You Trust Your Team?

  info@catalystspace.com

  25 Jan 2012 | 5:31 pm

  Trust is a huge part of having a highly functional team. One of the greatest talks I’ve ever heard on TRUST and the importance of trust on a team is from Andy Stanley. In fact, listen to a leadership podcast that Andy recorded. Great insights on this podcast. Highly recommend that you and your entire team take time to listen to this podcast together, and then discuss it. Our team did recently, and was incredibly valuable. Here are a few main points and thoughts after listening to Andy talk about Trust vs. Suspicion: 1. Being trustworthy doesn’t mean you’ll be flawless and…

• Beyond the Words - the Truth of a Story

  info@catalystspace.com

  24 Jan 2012 | 7:04 pm

  Stories are powerful. They are like guides that lead us through a narrative and into a world that lives between the words - revealing so much more than the mere words themselves. A story contains the power to ignite desire in a person; the power to portray a principle; the power to create a new space in which one can take refuge; and even the power to invoke a visceral response in the listener. Stories are like food for the soul - nourishing it and helping it grow. More than anything, stories contain the power to heal. Several years ago, after a man I barely knew boldly shared his story while…

• 7 Steps For Creating A Creative System To Be Creative

  info@catalystspace.com

  23 Jan 2012 | 3:02 pm

  That is a mouthful, I know. As a right-brained leader in a left-brained business world I am often asked how I have time to think and/or activate creative ideas. The easy answer is that it's hard. So let me share some ideas for you if you happen to be right-brained or would like to be a more creative leader. Let me start with a philosophic view of creativity in leadership... First, I value strategic thinking and make time for it. Second, I don't buy in to the mainstream's media choices for what is good or follow "group speak" well. Third, I realize that my creative ideas are not always for…

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  CatalystSpace | Articles

• Wow, It's Been 21 Years, By Christine Caine

  info@catalystspace.com

  25 Jan 2012 | 5:15 pm

  January 2012 marks my 21st year in full time ministry. During that time I have served the body of Christ in different leadership capacities but always as a part of the team of Hillsong Church in Sydney Australia. I was part of the launch team and then became director of a local community based youth centre working predominately with at risk young people. For the next seven years I served as the director of a state-wide youth movement focused on evangelism, leadership training and development. My husband Nick and I then became the Hillsong Network pastors, serving churches all over the world.

• Passion 2012 Recap | Do Something Now, By Emily Vogeltanz

  info@catalystspace.com

  17 Jan 2012 | 7:21 am

  To introduce ourselves, we are the Passion Movement, and to many we are known for worship. Names like Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill, and Matt Redman are synonymous with Passion Conferences. But there is another kind of worship that happens at Passion gatherings. Much quieter but no less powerful worship that literally reaches the ends of the earth and brings hope, healing, rescue, and restoration to the least of these. This student-led worship is called Do Something Now. At Passion, we want to lead out with the kind of worship that weds songs with action.

• Three Words and Jay-Z: The Beauty of saying "I don't know", By Dave Gibbons

  info@catalystspace.com

  16 Jan 2012 | 1:32 pm

  (Adapted from a section, edited from Dave's new book called XEALOTS: Defying the Gravity of Normality) “Great rap should have all kinds of unresolved layers that you don’t necessarily figure out the first time you listen to it. Instead it plants dissonance in your head. You can enjoy a song that knocks in the club or has witty punch lines the first time you hear it. But great rap retains mystery. It leaves sh*t rattling around in your head that won’t make sense till the fifth or sixth time through. It challenges you. . . . People don’t bother trying to get it. The…

• The 8 Best Worst Ideas For Leadership Growth Ever, By Margaret Feinberg

  info@catalystspace.com

  16 Jan 2012 | 12:12 pm

  Many articles are dedicated to nurturing a leader's growth, giving practical advice and insights. But what about those who don't want to grow to become a good leader? Look no further. Here are the 8 best worst ideas for leadership growth: 1. Don't delegate jobs. Do it all yourself! Why get eight hours of sleep when you can survive off two? Many people in your ministry have hidden talents you may not be aware. To engage them in a job would be an ineffective use of energy. Instead, burn yourself out by amassing large amounts of responsibility you can't manage. Besides, the bag-under-the-eye…

• What Matters Most?, By Dave Ramsey

  info@catalystspace.com

  16 Jan 2012 | 11:25 am

  New York Times best-selling author, Dave Ramsey, presents his common sense debt reduction and wealth-building strategies LIVE in Atlanta, Saturday, January 21, from 1p.m. to 6p.m. ET at Gwinnett Arena.  The Total Money Makeover LIVE! packages all of Ramsey’s financial principles and philosophies into one entertaining and action-packed event. I should have been annoyed. As I drove into the parking lot of my office, there weren't any spaces left, and I had an important conference call scheduled that morning. Instead, I just sat in my car and smiled. At that moment, I was reminded…

• 

  From the CCblogs Network

• "Grace and Truth"

  James Calvin Schaap

  27 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am

  Confession time. Once, years ago, when I was a college student home for a break, my mother, who taught piano for most of her life, declared that she would bestow upon her son a 10-dollar bill if he would only sit down at the piano in the den and pound out a hymn, any hymn at all. read more

• Politicizing Gabby Giffords

  Debra Dean Murphy

  26 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am

  By all accounts Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords is a remarkable woman: A respected, conciliatory colleague in the contentious House of Representatives long before the tragic shooting in Tucson; a hardworking politician deeply committed to the concerns of her constituents (which is why she was in a suburban parking lot that fateful Saturday morning); a supportive spouse read more

• Is clergy burnout really a crisis?

  Rachel Hackenberg

  24 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am

  Is the crisis whether we burn out, or how we burn out? read more

• Ecclesiastical orphans

  R. Wayne Stacy

  19 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am

  Preaching guru Fred Craddock, retired from Emory's Candler School of Theology, often quips: "Anyone who can't remember any farther back than his or her own birth is an orphan." read more

• The lens of dementia

  Dora Dueck

  17 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am

  The movie The Iron Lady--about Margaret Thatcher, prime minister of Britain from 1979 to 1990--is worth watching for a number of reasons. One is the opportunity to refresh our minds about a major figure of recent history and her influence upon those times. Another is to watch Meryl Streep’s performance in the role. read more

• 

  Christianpost.com > Homepage

• College Student Counselor Can Defer Homosexual Clients, Court Rules

  27 Jan 2012 | 4:29 pm

  The Sixth Circuit ruled Friday in favor of Christian graduate student Julea Ward, who nearly three years ago was expelled from Eastern Michigan University's counseling program for trying to have a homosexual client reassigned to someone else because of her religious beliefs.

• Dying to Meet Him: Coming to Terms With Losses

  27 Jan 2012 | 4:26 pm

  So the last seizure left me with fewer brain cells or something, but I can't focus enough to read much or write much without stopping, starting, stopping. I was afraid to write a journal entry yesterday because this is a new thing to me. Reading and writing – the two loves of my life, the two things that used to come so easily to me – are so hard now.

• Pennsylvania Legislature Declares 2012 'Year of the Bible'

  27 Jan 2012 | 4:16 pm

  In a unanimous vote earlier this week, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a resolution declaring 2012 the "Year of the Bible."

• Did the Media Forget About the March for Life?

  27 Jan 2012 | 3:49 pm

  Both the West Coast Walk for Life and the D.C. March for Life hosted large rallies to commemorate the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade this week. Organizers say the former drew over 40,000 participants, and the latter, 400,000, but neither event drew much coverage from major media outlets.

• Haitians Turning to Christ, Abandoning Voodoo Practices 2 Years After Earthquake

  27 Jan 2012 | 3:39 pm

  Two years after a devastating earthquake killed an estimated 300,000 people in Haiti, Christianity is fast replacing Voodoo in the lives and practices of the people, a missionary has revealed.

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  Christian Today

• Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches move towards unity

  28 Jan 2012 | 7:13 am

  The Roman Catholic Church and Oriental Orthodox Churches in the UK have welcomed an unprecedented move towards unity this week

• Anger over green light to TV abortion ads

  28 Jan 2012 | 6:54 am

  The Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice BCAP in the UK has made a controversial new ruling that allows private abortion clinics to run ads on TV and radio stations a move that has angered a number of prolife groups

• Church award seeks people who inspire their communities

  28 Jan 2012 | 6:28 am

  The Churchsponsored award seeks people going above and beyond the call of duty to help their organisations change their communities

• Christians welcome legacy pledges from party leaders

  28 Jan 2012 | 6:06 am

  David Cameron Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband are among the high profile figures promising to leave 10 per cent of their estate to charity

• Christian Aid shows how fashion can be stylish and ethical

  28 Jan 2012 | 6:02 am

  Underground catwalk show to demonstrate how consumers can impact the planet for good by rewearing reclaiming and revitalising their existing clothes

• 

  Out of Ur

• Listening to Tullian Tchividjian at the Jacksonville Pastor's Conference

  26 Jan 2012 | 9:40 pm

• Ur Video: Rick McKinley on Activists

  25 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am

  Activists are really searching for meaning.

• The Religious Views of 20-Somethings, Part 3

  23 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am

  Ministry implications for reaching a generation of irreligious activists.

• 9 Reasons NOT to Plant a Church in 2012 (Part 2)

  20 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am

  11 Practices of a New Jesus Movement.

• 9 Reasons NOT to Plant a Church in 2012

  18 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am

  Why church planting may no longer be the best vehicle for evangelism.

• 

  Prodigal Magazine

• Good News About Prodigal Magazine!

  admin

  27 Jan 2012 | 3:11 pm

  Dear Prodigal Magazine Reader, Guess, what? We have good news about Prodigal Magazine! Since 2005 Prodigal Magazine has been the place where you have come to get interesting, provocative and helpful information about technology, faith, culture and lifestyle. But maybe you’ve noticed that things have been a little bit quiet around here for awhile. That’s because Jason Wenell, founder of Prodigal Magazine, had and followed his vision for a company called The Table Project — and it turns out that being apart a successful company (not to mention being a husband and father) took…

• Was I wrong about dream girls?

  JHalbert

  1 Sep 2010 | 1:53 am

  A while ago I wrote an article saying that I thought that “dream girls” didn’t exist.  I think about 5 people read it and left some comments, but overall, it was probably just left alone. It was a pretty brutal article, maybe offensive, someone said “cynical and bitter,” but I was really trying to be more funny than I was angry. My lack of writing experience was probably the article’s biggest deterrent to its effectiveness.  That said, sorry if you were the few that read it and were offended and I hurt your sensitive little hearts; I really didn’t…

• Q&A – What is God’s relationship to time?

  admin

  20 May 2010 | 10:46 am

  Answer: We live in a physical world with its four known space-time dimensions of length, width, height (or depth) and time. However, God dwells in a different dimension—the spirit realm—beyond the perception of our physical senses. It’s not that God isn’t real; it’s a matter of His not being limited by the physical laws and dimensions that govern our world (Isaiah 57:15). Knowing that “God is spirit” (John 4:24), what is His relationship to time?In Psalm 90:4, Moses used a simple yet profound analogy in describing the timelessness of God: “For a thousand years in Your sight…

• Michael Catt Interview (Creator of Facing The Giants and Fireproof)

  jvaughan

  10 Apr 2010 | 3:35 pm

  Last week, I got an email from a literary agency asking me if I would be interested in interviewing Michael Catt.  Many of you may not know who he is.  He is the Senior Pastor at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA and the creator of movies such as Facing The Giants, Fireproof and the newly announced production Courageous that will be hitting the big screen next year.  God has moved in and through his church to be an encouragement to many, so I sat down with him today to discuss his role as a pastor, an author and a movie producer. Pastor: When people hear the name, Michael Catt, they…

• Reign O’er a Kingdom in Ruin

  BMacKinnon

  2 Mar 2010 | 9:18 am

  One nugget of Christian rhetoric I have always had the toughest time understanding is “giving everything to God.”  What was so frustrating about this is that “giving everything to God” sounds like the right thing to do, and here I don’t even know the implications of the statement!  My visceral response is to pack up all my belongings and give them to the church.  Or perhaps to quit my job and say I had given it to God.  The Peace Corps seems to fit the bill for that too, I should enlist (or whatever it is they call it). No.  That isn’t all there is to it.  Luckily, Jesus…

• 

  Commonweal Magazine

• Yes

  16 Jan 2012 | 11:22 am

  The nectar you gave tasted of wild mountains Where far-flung, deep beauties drew my heart “There is so much beauty to write about,” you said. The sparkling bay spoke louder than any word. Strange islands bathed in sea-smoke, Stranger still the music we heard. “Just a bit further, beyond the nun of the reef,

• True Writ

  16 Jan 2012 | 11:20 am

  A celebrated declaration is engraved above the portal of Langdell Hall, the central building of Harvard Law School: non sub homine sed sub deo et lege (“not under man but under God and law”). That was the brave admonition of Lord Edward Coke (1552–1634) to King James I when the monarch imprisoned one of his subjects peremptorily.

• Conscience & Communion

  16 Jan 2012 | 11:13 am

  What should we say, amid a culture in which marriages evaporate like mist, about the sacramental status of divorced and remarried Catholics? What should we do?

• A Work in Progress

  16 Jan 2012 | 11:07 am

  Across the globe, from Tunisia to Burma, people are struggling to cast off tyrannical regimes. It is humbling to witness what thousands are willing to risk for a chance at democracy in the countries of the Middle East.

• Night

  16 Jan 2012 | 11:02 am

  Dark One, I walk the streets for half the night And see my father slide toward the grave: Look left, and death will enter from the right   Or jump on you from some tremendous height No matter if you run or act all brave. Dark One, I walk the streets for half the night,   Not looking flash, not looking for a fight.

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  Compassion International - Blog on Child Poverty

• What is Partnership?

  Web Team

  28 Jan 2012 | 1:35 am

  Many of us are allergic to business jargon. Nothing can make people start itching faster than sitting in a meeting and hearing words like “strategy,” “assessment,” or — horror of horrors — “best practice methodology.” “Partnership” can be one of those abstract business-like words that make our eyes glaze over. The word has been used to mean a lot of things to a lot of people until it hardly means anything to anyone. What is partnership? Partnership is at the center of what we do at Compassion. We not only partner with you, our sponsors and donors, but also with the local…

• Ministry Highlight: India

  Web Team

  27 Jan 2012 | 4:31 am

  We began our ministry in India in 1997 with the Child Sponsorship Program. In 2003, we started the Child Survival Program, and the Leadership Development Program followed in 2004. Country Director Paul Asveen joined our ministry as Country Director in 2010. Paul came to us with 22 years of combined experience from both the corporate and ministry worlds. For 16 years Paul worked in the banking industry with Citibank – 10 years in India and 6 years in Indonesia. In 2003, Paul decided to devote his energy fully to Christian ministry. After six years of serving in ministry in Singapore,…

• Compassion Clothing

  David Dahlin

  27 Jan 2012 | 1:21 am

  Thirty years ago I went to Brazil as a short-term missionary with five other young adults. Little did I know how much that one decision would shape the rest of my life. It was in the context of doing youth ministry in Brazil that God called me to dedicate my life to working holistically with children in poverty. And it was in the context of living and serving daily as a member of that team that God first challenged me to “clothe myself with compassion,” to “forgive,” and to “put on love.” At the beginning of our 15 months of ministry, our team chose a theme Scripture, Colossians…

• Speaking Out Against Corruption

  Jayaseelan Enos

  26 Jan 2012 | 4:52 am

  Meet Arun. Arun grew up in the slums of Bangalore, India, packed in a little one-room house with his father, mother, brother and sister. Arun woke up each morning not knowing whether there would food for the day. The effects of poverty were very real in his life. Arun’s father, Chellakannan, worked as an auto driver and struggled to provide food for the family. Stretching the budget to meet their daily needs seemed hard enough, let alone educating the children! The family was forced to survive on less than Rs. 2,500 per month (U.S.$50). Adding to the struggles, Arun’s father was an…

• Faith Test

  Orfa Cerrato

  26 Jan 2012 | 1:19 am

  Many of us think we “know” what faith means. When it is time to put our faith in action, however, it’s another story. Honestly, I have failed the faith test many times, but God’s mercy helps me to stand up again and again. Last year my family had to make a decision that would affect our lives permanently. We prayed together and agreed to pray individually for some weeks before getting together again. At first, I thought I was praying and trusting, but as the days passed, I was more anxious and weary. At one point, I finally gave up and poured out my heart to God in prayer. He knew how…

• 

  Daily Reflections

• January 27 - February 3

  James M. Kushiner

  27 Jan 2012 | 9:43 am

  Friday, January 27 Hebrews 11:8-16: Prior to the calling of Abraham, God provided the human race with certain introductory instruction through the deep perceptions of three patriarchs: Abel, Enoch, and Noah. In what Holy Scripture says of these men, we discern the initial steps of human education. First, Abel examined the structure of the world around him and reached the conclusion “that things which are seen were not made by things which do appear.” The “thing-ness” of the world, that is to say, was not self-explanatory. The world was not its own cause. On the contrary, it gave…

• 

  Big Is The New Small

• 15 Funniest People On Twitter That Keep It Clean

  Scott Williams

  27 Jan 2012 | 7:22 am

  Laughter is good for the soul and there is nothing better than a good laugh.  Laughter is seriously a smile that can’t control itself.  The best kind of funny is the clean, witty type of funny. Laughter is one of those things that can infiltrate all aspects of your life if you will allow it.  The optimist laughs to forget while the pessimist forgets to laugh.  Don’t forget to laugh, and if you’re the one creating the funny, don’t forget to keep it clean. “Nothing shows a man’s character more than what he laughs at.”  ~J. Wolfgang I wanted to get somewhat…

• The Importance Of Being A People Connector

  Scott Williams

  25 Jan 2012 | 10:10 pm

  I’m a connector, and I love connecting people to people and people to opportunities.  What I mean by that is that I love connecting like-minded people to other like-minded people.  I also love connecting great people to mutually great opportunities. I feel that we’re made to connect, as we are connecting beings.  Even introverts have a desire to connect with people; they just appreciate their time, space and alone time. It’s important to be a connector of people, as these connections help the world go around.  Some people-connections lead to great job opportunities for others. …

• This Means More Than You Know

  Scott Williams

  24 Jan 2012 | 10:41 pm

  No matter how you slice it, encouragement means more than you know.  There are tons of success stories that were inspired by someone encouraging someone with simple words like this, “You have what it takes.” I remember reading an article in Southwest Airline’s Spirit Magazine about Baltimore Ravens Offensive Tackle Michael Oher that brought truth and reality to this very thing.  Michael is the famous NFL player whose life inspired one of my favorite movies “The Blind Side.” Michael mentioned how he remembered his 4th grade teacher Ms. Logan saying, “Can’t never could and…

• The Formula To Guarantee Repeat Customers

  Scott Williams

  23 Jan 2012 | 10:45 pm

  There are lots of formulas, ideas, techniques and thoughts on how to get repeat customers.  I think the formula is actually quite simple: Repeat Customer Formula: Quality Product + Great Customer Service + Integrity + Unique Attributes x Raving Fans – Status Quo = Repeat Customers That’s the formula to repeat customers. Do you think this is a formula for repeat customers?  Share your thoughts and share your formula for repeat customers. The Formula To Guarantee Repeat Customers is a post from: Big Is The New Small

• This Is Something You Will Regret

  Scott Williams

  23 Jan 2012 | 8:28 am

  Life is all about the decisions that we make, as well as the decisions that we don’t make.  Unfortunately many people sit on the sidelines holding onto dreams that they have never attempted or have never even tried to put into play. The bottom line is this, you were made for more; however you’ll never realize the more you were made to be by sitting idle.  You will not reach your potential if you don’t dream big and you simply settle for mediocrity. The older I get and the more older, wiser and experienced people I talk to, the more I realize this statement to be true, “You…

• 

  Desiring God Blog

• Speaking to Muslims About the Crucified Christ

  27 Jan 2012 | 5:20 pm

  John Piper writes, Jesus said, “I know that you do not have the love of God within you. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him” (John 5:42–43). When Jesus says, “receive him,” he means receive him for who he really is: the divine, eternal Son of God who lays down his life for the sheep and takes it up again in three days. If a person does not receive him in this way, that person, Jesus says, does not love God. Jesus said, “The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to…

• Ed Stetzer on Spiritual Warfare

  27 Jan 2012 | 3:00 pm

  Theology Refresh is a podcast for pastors and Christian leaders designed to sharpen our grasp of key doctrines used in everyday ministry. Each podcast is around 15-minutes (or less), which is the time it takes for the average daily commute. The latest discussion is with Ed Stetzer on spiritual warfare. It's a mistake to dismiss the battle that's going on around us. God is sovereign, reigning over all, and his creatures have rebelled. This includes everyone until Jesus intervenes to save. Then we become citizens of another kingdom — we rebel against the rebellion. Stream or download this…

• New Piper Messages Now Available

  27 Jan 2012 | 12:00 pm

  John Piper recently gave a series of messages at the Campus Outreach National Conference in Chattanooga, TN. All the messages are now available for streaming and download: One Life: Enjoy It! One Life: Don't Waste It! For Men: Augustine, Sin, and Sovereign Joy Piper One on One Campus Outreach Speaker Panel For the full conference media of other speakers and seminars, check out Campus Outreach National Conference.

• Read and Share "Seeing and Savoring" for $5

  27 Jan 2012 | 10:00 am

  "The aim of this book is to help you see and savor Christ. It is not my word that counts, but God's. He has borne witness to his Son. His witness is compelling. May he give you eyes to see and hearts to savor." (Pastor John) You can now order the book for just $5. (Because our inventory is limited, this offer is good while supplies last; only available over the web) Other Specials Finally Alive ($5) The Dangerous Duty of Delight ($5) Think ($5) A Holy Ambition ($5)

• Parents, Beware: Proverbs Are Not Promises

  27 Jan 2012 | 4:00 am

  Far too many of us who (rightly) renounce the so-called "prosperity gospel" (wrongly) coddle our own little version of it as we focus on our families. Richard Pratt: In recent decades, Christian television has spread what many call the “prosperity gospel” — the misguided belief that if we have enough faith, God will heal our diseases and provide us with great financial blessings. Of course, most people reading this article scoff at the thought that faith can yield such benefits. But don’t laugh too hard.  We have our own prosperity gospel for our families. We simply…

• 

  Episcopal News Service

• Executive Council challenged to engage in adaptive change

  By Mary Frances Schjonberg

  27 Jan 2012 | 4:12 pm

  [Episcopal News Service - Linthicum Heights, Maryland] Three Episcopal Church leaders challenged members of the church’s Executive Council Jan. 27 to engage in “adaptive change” in response to what they said are changing church and societal environments. That challenge began immediately as the members received two different budget scenarios developed by council’s Executive Committee upon [...]

• Executive Council challenged to engage in adaptive change

  27 Jan 2012 | 9:21 am

• Bonnie Anderson’s opening remarks to Executive Council

  27 Jan 2012 | 9:00 am

  Executive Council Meeting, January 27, 2012:  Opening Remarks Bonnie Anderson, President, The House of Deputies Good morning— I am glad to be here with all of you. We have three days of hard work ahead of us, and I believe that, with courage and vision, we can make real progress toward a draft budget that [...]

• Bishop Stacy Sauls’ opening remarks to Executive Council

  27 Jan 2012 | 8:47 am

  Opening Remarks of the Chief Operating Officer Executive Council January 27, 2012 I want to begin and end by updating you on the well-being of the staff of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society.  To do that, I need to tell you just a little bit about a movie, which has recently been nominated for [...]

• Partners in Haiti and Friends in Wyoming

  27 Jan 2012 | 7:49 am

  [Episcopal Relief & Development] This month’s Power of Partnerships honors the efforts of the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti and its relief and development arm, CEDDISEC (Centre Diocésain de Développement Intégré et de Secours), to support community-based relief and recovery in the continued aftermath of the January 2010 earthquake.  Through CEDDISEC’s Protection and Empowerment program, members [...]

• 

  EPPC Publications

• Child Sacrifice in 21st Century America

  26 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

  Thirty-nine years after Roe v. Wade created an unrestricted abortion license in the United States, and during the week when hundreds of thousands of Americans pray and march for life, all Americans ought to ponder the kind of country to which Roe v. Wade led.

• The HHS Contraception Mandate vs. the Religious Freedom Restoration Act

  26 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

  The Obama administration's mandate that employer-provided health-insurance plans cover contraceptives and abortifacients is a clearcut violation of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

• Obama’s Final SOTU?

  24 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

  Governor Mitch Daniels' Republican rebuttal to the president's State of the Union address was a masterpiece: concise, direct, optimistic, and tough.

• Populist Rhetoric Does Not a Plan Make

  24 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

  The president's State of the Union message boiled down to this: if only the Republicans were willing to tax the rich, all would be well. Unfortunately for the president, there's absolutely no evidence to support this claim.

• A State of Denial

  24 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

  President Obama's State of the Union address offered a vision of a hyperactive government with its hands in every corner of our economy while ignoring our mounting deficits and debt. It was a very bad sign about what the president would seek to do with a second term.

• 

  First Things | On the Square

• A Tale of Two Imperialisms

  27 Jan 2012 | 12:33 am

  It is common these days to read the Bible as an anti-imperial epic, the story of God and Israel, then (for Christians) God and Jesus, against empire. Come out, come out from Babylon, my people!" is the theme. Its a hard sell for all sorts of reasons. Jeremiah urges the people of Judah to enter not exit Babylon (Jeremiah 27, 29). Isaiah invests Cyrus the Persian conqueror with Davidic titles-he is the Lords servant" and shepherd" and anointed one" (Isaiah 44-45). Heroes like Joseph, Daniel, and Mordecai end up as chief advisors to emperors. In Scripture, there is no such thing as empire" but…

• Why My Friends Dont Like Homeschooling

  26 Jan 2012 | 11:01 pm

  My wife homeschools our seven-year-old daughter, so I read with sympathy David Mills piece in the January issue of First Things on the suspicion he encounters when discussing publicly the homeschooling of his two children. Opting out of the public education system feels a bit like jumping off a moving train. As you tumble down the side of the embankment and struggle to gain your footing, passengers on the still-moving train crane their necks and crowd to the windows to stare at you with wide eyes and slack jaws. They jumped? What are they, nuts? This train is so nice. As the locomotive puffs…

• A Stem Cell Report

  25 Jan 2012 | 11:07 pm

  Generally speaking, the American public is well accustomed to the concept of tissue and organ transplantation, as stories of life-saving heart and kidney transplants, or American Red Cross blood drives collecting blood and platelets for transfusions have become commonplace. Since these procedures typically require a transfer of tissue from one patient to another, physicians must be careful to choose well-matched donors to avoid rejection by the recipients immune system. But what about other specialized tissues that can be affected by disease, such as those of the eye? A recent study published…

• Doubt and the Creed

  25 Jan 2012 | 11:01 pm

  There are times, even in polite company, when a believer can feel like the last duck left in hunting season, flapping past the blind in a bulls-eye patterned sweater. In such circumstances, I will occasionally describe myself as a liturgical agnostic. Despite the apparent cheek, its not a joke. The phrase means something important to me that is, I suggest, consonant with a point made by Benedict XVI, writing as Joseph Ratzinger, in 1967. In his signal Introduction To Christianity, he proposes that for believers and secularists, doubt is common ground-fertile and largely untilled. Certitude,…

• Child sacrifice in 21st Century America

  24 Jan 2012 | 11:24 pm

  The Hebrew Bible is not for the squeamish. And its harshest maledictions are called down upon those who practiced the abomination of child-sacrifice. Thus the Psalmist: They sacrificed their sons and daughters to the demons/they poured out innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; and the land was polluted with blood./Thus they became unclean by their acts, and played the harlot in their doings./Then the anger of the LORD was kindled against his people, and he abhorred his heritage./... they were rebellious in their purposes, and were…

• 

  Anne Jackson Writes

• Hope (A Farewell Post)

  Anne Jackson

  5 Jan 2012 | 2:24 pm

  You may find yourself without hope today. A little over a year ago, I found myself in the darkest time of my life. My marriage had ended. There were days I couldn’t leave my house. Days I hurt myself. Days I didn’t eat. Or sleep. Or care. I wanted to die. I saw no purpose in life. The only thing I (barely) had strength to do was ask. I needed help, and I knew it. Because of the generosity and insight of my friends, I was able to receive intensive counseling at an inpatient facility in the southwest. Walking in, I thought it was my last chance. Nothing had pulled me out of the…

• Here, Now

  Anne Jackson

  25 Oct 2011 | 12:43 am

  Open hands. Where are my feet? Here, now. Feeling each breath; no control; automatic. Use them all…my prayer. Use my hands to comfort; Use my feet to explore; Use my breath to show how grateful I am for life. Body and spirit as an act of praise. The only sacrifice you desire; Holy and living for you.

• Drink it Deeply

  Anne Jackson

  12 Oct 2011 | 6:02 pm

  “Drink it deeply,” she said, about the changing colors in the trees and the well-worn paths of the forest. “I forgot how,” I responded. “Will it return to me?” My concern was valid. I stared, parched and thirsty, into the faded and falling leaves. I laid down on a bench, praying the earth would take me and embrace me as her own. The only thing I felt was the wood supporting me. As dusk softened the sunset, I got up from the bench and continued on the trail, not oblivious to the beauty around me. But I was numb to it; maybe even jealous of the communion…

• 

  Godspace

• Getting Ready for Lent – What Do We Hunger and Thirst For?

  Christine Sine

  27 Jan 2012 | 10:33 am

  Lent is Coming We are rapidly moving towards Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday on February 22nd. This is the season that most challenges us to reflect on our faith and renew our commitment to follow Jesus. Once again I want to invite you to participate with me in Lenten reflections that challenge us to take our following of Jesus more seriously. Last year our theme was: Following Jesus What Difference Does it Make. The theme for this year is: Easter is Coming – What Do We Hunger and Thirst For?  When reading  Ancient Christian Devotional: A Year of Weekly Readings. a couple of…

• Its Winter But Spring IS Coming

  Christine Sine

  26 Jan 2012 | 8:34 am

  A couple of days ago I wrote this post Weathering the Winter Storms – Lessons for the Soul. reflecting on what I have learned from the winter storms. I love the ways that God speaks to us through the seasons of the year. This post formed the foundations for the latest MSA Happenings which I thought you might appreciate. The description of what happens in trees during winter has resonated in my soul this week as I feel MSA is in a waiting, strengthening season. It is as though God has set buds for next year’s growth and we desperately want to see them spring into life, but God is saying,…

• Looking for Partners.

  Christine Sine

  25 Jan 2012 | 10:26 am

  Over the last few months many of you have told me how much you appreciate the content on this blog. Its popularity continues to grow as we post reflections, resources and liturgies from around the world. Some of you regularly use prayers and liturgies that are posted here in your church services and study groups. Numbers have used the series on Spiritual Leadership to guide your own leadership teams. Thousands view the meditation videos each year and dozens have already downloaded the Lenten guide in preparation for the upcoming season. Many of these resources are available free and that is…

• Books I am Reading That I Want to Recommend

  Christine Sine

  24 Jan 2012 | 10:25 am

  Books I'm Reading These last few weeks have been an orgy of reading for me. As I glanced over the books on my desk this morning it occurred to me that I rarely find such a rich assortment of books at one time. I thought that you might like to know what they are: One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp – this is the best book I have read for a long time and I am currently on my third read of it. I would highly recommend it for a book club as well as individual reading. Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Hayley Barton. Those of you who read my series on Leading Spiritually…

• Weathering the Winter Storms – Lessons for the Soul.

  Christine Sine

  23 Jan 2012 | 11:08 am

  tree icicles Last week we had snow and then ice storms in Seattle. The city ground to a halt and anyone who could hibernated for a couple of days. Outside the trees were festooned with snow and icicles formed along their branches. How do they survive I wondered? Some of my time last week was spent researching this very question. And the answers are astounding with powerful implications for my faith. …trees are large, tall, and immovable. They have no choice but to face everything winter can throw at them.  And yet, as you travel north throughout the world one thing is ubiquitous:…

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  thehighcalling.org

• When the Students School the Teacher

  David Rupert

  26 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am

  Hugh Atkinson is a third-grade teacher who loves his job. In his blog, Ramblings of a Third Grade Mind, he writes about the impact on his students and how they reciprocate. The relationships he makes enhance the learning of his students. “When you’re at the grocery story and small bodies with large voices rush at you while screaming your name…you feel like a movie star,” he writes. “When parents of former students who are now in high school see you in line at Starbucks, and jump up and pay for your coffee… you see you made a difference.” Read his…

• Community Post: Promised Land Gone

  SamVan Eman

  20 Jan 2012 | 12:59 pm

  The following article continues our Fridays on the topic of personal finance. In 1996, my grandfather died, taking with him 200 years of stability and nearly two million dollars in property. “Do you know what happened to the old Homestead, Sammy?” Norman asked, shaking his head in disbelief. I would not forget his answer. Image by Emmanuele Contini.  Used with permission. Sourced via Flickr.   https://www.catapultmagazine.com/half-an-acre/feature/promised-land-gone Author Name:  Sam Van Eman

• Like a Prayer

  matthewkreider

  19 Jan 2012 | 7:00 am

  My four year-old sits quietly in the pew with his pen and paper. All around him, the sanctuary is dark and full of mystery. His slow hand moves and concentrates across the space and centimeters of paper. I hear deep, unspoken conversations taking place between him and the lines and shapes. He works like a surgeon, speaks from behind a mask. On my side of childhood, words can get lost here. Image by Hugo. Used with permission. Sourced via Flickr. Post by Matthew Kreider. http://matthewkreider.com/2012/01/05/reading-and-writing/ Author Name:  Matthew Kreider

• Community Post: You Be Jesus

  Jennifer Dukes Lee

  18 Jan 2012 | 9:08 am

  So what is a high calling anyway? Do we find it only near the baptismal font or on the missionary field? We know better. Our calling is right here, where we are. Do we see it, though? Jennifer Dukes Lee, contributing editor at The High Calling, re-discovers what a "high calling" is while hanging out in the toy-room with her daughters. She writes: "For years, my life was compartmentalized like so: Work. Play. Worship. With no overlap. I'd heard of callings and vocations, but I figured those words more aptly applied to pastors or nuns."  Image by D. Sharon Pruitt.

• How to be Respected in the Workplace

  David Rupert

  17 Jan 2012 | 8:00 pm

  When he was sitting on the bench and carrying a clipboard around on the sideline, the Heisman- trophy award winner didn’t whine or complain. The much- hyped Tim Tebow knew his place. He was determined to earn the respect of his teammates.  And I need to find a way to gain respect before I’ll get anywhere in my workplace. http://redletterbelievers.blogspot.com/2012/01/what-tim-tebow-taught-me-about.html Author Name:  David Rupert

• 

  Good Letters: The Image Blog

• Lucky Life: Poetry in Motion

  27 Jan 2012 | 4:04 pm

  I’ve been waiting for a chance to share this movie with you for two years. In Lucky Life, the new film by Lee Isaac Chung, three friends—a writer named Mark, his wife Karen, and their friend Alex—drive to join their friend Jason at a North Carolina beach house. They’ve been friends for years, but this vacation is unusual. Jason has an aggressive form of cancer, and he probably won’t be with them much longer. They share conversations, walks on the beach, memories. Okay, let’s face it, that’s not the....

• Offending the Experts

  26 Jan 2012 | 8:52 pm

  I read that famed biologist E.O. Wilson provoked a tempest by claiming a genetic basis for social cooperation that has the politically unfortunate side-effect of undermining a widely embraced explanation for the persistence of homosexuality. If he’s right, we’re stuck with an uncomfortable reality that homosexuality is a choice, or a learned behavior, or something that sounds equally unsavory in the parlors....

• The Tale of the Foreman

  25 Jan 2012 | 1:59 am

  So my father told a story of his own grandfather—one I had heard often but that astounds me every time it’s related. The moral dilemma is a perfect example of what can face a human being, a tale positively Greek in both its heroic and tragic components. His name was Jones McWhorter, and he lived in Houston, Mississippi. He had a fine job as a railroad foreman—an occupation hard to come by in the depths....

• This Is Your Brain on Art

  24 Jan 2012 | 2:12 am

  I went to a middle school dance the other night to watch my son’s band play the four songs they know. What I observed probably won’t surprise you. The boys at the dance reacted to the rock & roll. They jumped and wiggled—some even did what might be considered dancing—and ran and threw their bodies against the padded walls under the basketball hoops. Mature enough to know better, the girls stood....

• Winterland

  23 Jan 2012 | 3:42 am

  Who shall sing of winter and its transcendence? O not the Swiss mountains or the Colorado valleys, but of a streetcorner in Medford, Massachusetts, on a 15 degree day: a little storefront shopette thronged with teenage deadbeats in leather car coats and jeans, cigarette smoke tendrilling through their elaborate feathered hair, kicking at clods of dirty snow....

• 

  It Takes A Church...

• Why I'm Staying... an open letter to my friends in the #PCUSA

  Tod Bolsinger

  14 Jan 2012 | 11:14 am

  Like many who will gather in Orlando, I share many concerns about the state of our denomination.  But, like some, I am still called to work within the covenant of relationships that have shaped and formed my life and faith for 25 years. Recently, I was engaged by a friend in a conversation about the reasons for staying in the PCUSA. This post is my response. I realize that for some leaders leaving the PCUSA at this time is an issue of conscience.  For them, being members of a denomination or Presbytery where some would condone what they find to be in contradiction to the Scriptures is a…

• Leaders Who Tend

  Tod Bolsinger

  7 Dec 2011 | 3:24 pm

  tend/tend/ Verb: 1. Regularly or frequently behave in a particular way or have a certain characteristic:2. Care for or look after; give one's attention to. In a recent “blog post conversation” Christianity Today editor Mark Galli and I have been discussing the role of pastor as “chaplain” or “leader” or some kind of combination of both. Mark leans toward chaplain, I insist that we need more leaders in a changing world. If we were sitting together in a coffee shop, I’d engage him more on some particulars, but mostly we agree on most of the most important things--not the…

• Mark Galli Responds: Pastors in a changing world--Leaders or Chaplains?

  Tod Bolsinger

  6 Dec 2011 | 6:44 am

  Christianity Today Senior Managing Editor Mark Galli continues our public conversation on the proper role of pastors.  I am indebted to Mark for taking the time to engage in this discussion with me.  We are both hopeful that it will lead to something helpful and edifying to the Church.  Thanks Mark. Tod I am honored that Tod would take the trouble to write such a thorough and generous response to my column.  It’s clear that we agree on much.  We both think that pastors need to be pastors at least some of the time, and that we need less of the corporate leadership model.  And we both…

• We Need Chaplains...Just not More Of Them...Not Now.

  Tod Bolsinger

  3 Dec 2011 | 11:21 am

  In a recent editorial, Mark Galli offered a thoughtful and provocative defense of the pastor-as-chaplain model vs. the pastor-as-leader model.  Galli criticizes the growing impersonal institutionalism of the church that holds up the model of the megachurch as the only true vision of congregational health and success (and the megachurch “lead pastor” as the only true model of pastoral vitality).  I couldn’t agree with him more.  Without doubt, there is continual need for women and men with spiritual sensitivity to the souls of people (in the holistic sense that Galli describes so…

• Defining Leadership...

  Tod Bolsinger

  15 Nov 2011 | 9:41 am

  This little riff, produced by the good folks at The High Calling, is my take on leadership as learned from Ronald Heifetz, Peter Block and Abraham Kuyper...

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  Mere Orthodoxy | Christianity, Politics, and Culture

• Newt Gingrich, Evangelicals, & Imperfectability

  Andrew Walker

  27 Jan 2012 | 10:44 am

  This post is coauthored by Andrew Walker and Eric TeetselIn recent days, Mere Orthodoxy has played host to several essays on Newt Gingrich. Matthew Lee Anderson—a friend and co-laborer in the effort to engage young evangelicals with conservative ideas—and Jerry Walls have stated their unequivocal opposition to voting for him. For them, a lifetime of personal vanities, grandiose policy proposals, character flaws, and serial adultery disqualifies Newt from receiving support from evangelicals. Even worse, were evangelicals to support Gingrich, it would potentially contradict our Christian…

• Thomas Says: Scandal, It’s So Special

  GaryH

  27 Jan 2012 | 7:00 am

  This is the third in my intermittent series on Aquinas on the topic of scandal, which is covered in question 43 of the second part of the second part of his Summa Theologiae. In the first two posts I covered the main contours of his thinking on the issue. First, scandal is defined as “something less rightly said or done that occasions spiritual downfall.” Second, there are two aspects of scandal: active and passive. Active scandal occurs when a person sins (or even has a strong appearance of sinning) and thereby causes another to sin. Passive scandal occurs when a person is enticed to…

• The Missing Premise: One more on Gingrich, Marriage, and the White House

  Matthew Lee Anderson

  26 Jan 2012 | 6:16 am

  The discussion around here the past couple days has been top notch, the sort of civil and spirited roundabout that we ought to have more often.  Don’t let the length of the comments scare you off:  there’s good stuff down there, and none of it by me!I don’t have too much more to say on this whole subject (really!), but remembered tonight one little bit of data that I think is significant for discerning how someone ought to vote when it comes to someone like Gingrich.First, though, some prefatory remarks by my friend Francis Beckwith:Adultery, of course, is one temptation.

• John Newton, Newt Gingrich, and the Real Issue for his Candidacy: A Guest Post by Jerry L. Walls

  Matthew Lee Anderson

  25 Jan 2012 | 6:46 am

  One more round on the concerns about evangelicals and Gingrich.  Jerry L. Walls is a philosopher and the author of numerous books, the most recent of which was listed among Christianity Today’s top books of the year.  If you are interested in submitting a differing perspective, send me a note and I’ll consider it.  Equal time, and all that!  Many conservative Christians are enthusiastically supporting Newt Gingrich for President, despite the fact that his personal lifestyle for most of his life has been sharply and starkly at odds with the values they profess to cherish. As…

• The Body’s Narrative

  Matthew Lee Anderson

  24 Jan 2012 | 12:49 pm

  When I sat down to write Earthen Vessels, one of my hopes was to explore the body in its relationship to time and our own personal narratives.  That, like many of my hopes, was dashed upon the rocks as I set about the writing.  I couldn’t figure out the best way to jam it in, only one of the book’s many inadequacies.But leave it to a friend, Father David Baumann, to write an absolutely lovely meditation that expresses it all quite better than I might have:I can only imagine what Jesus’ body was like. It is easy to assume that his hands bore calluses and scars from carpentry,…

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  novus•lumen

• PRAYERS FOR MY CITY: Friday Morning

  Jeremy

  27 Jan 2012 | 7:04 am

  This is a prayer from PRAYERS FOR MY CITY: A Fixed-Hour Prayer Guide for Grand Rapids releasing in the next few weeks in Grand Rapids and online retailers for $12.95 (you can pre-order HERE for $10, including shipping). Most gracious and merciful Father, who gave up His Son unto death for the forgiveness of sins for the people of Grand Rapids: I pray that you might convict those in my city of their willful rebellion against you and your Way, while provoking them toward repentance and drawing them unto yourself to find forgiveness for their sins and life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our…

• PRAYERS FOR MY CITY: Wednesday Morning

  Jeremy

  25 Jan 2012 | 6:38 am

  This is a prayer from PRAYERS FOR MY CITY: A Fixed-Hour Prayer Guide for Grand Rapids releasing in the next few weeks in Grand Rapids and online retailers for $12.95 (you can pre-order HERE for $10, including shipping). Most gracious and merciful Father, I recognize the influence you have given me in my city is from your gracious, willing hand: As I live and move and have my being in you this day, may I help bring your Kingdom in the specific areas of Grand Rapids you have given me influence over; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

• PRAYERS FOR MY CITY: Monday Morning

  Jeremy

  23 Jan 2012 | 5:40 am

  This is a prayer from PRAYERS FOR MY CITY: A Fixed-Hour Prayer Guide for Grand Rapids releasing in the next few weeks in Grand Rapids and online retailers for $12.95 (you can pre-order HERE for $10, including shipping). Most gracious heavenly Father, I thank you for your provision at the start of this new work week and pray for those who are unemployed in Grand Rapids: Give them strength while they wait for work, assurance of your love and protection, and provision for their every need; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

• PRAYERS FOR MY CITY: Saturday Morning

  Jeremy

  21 Jan 2012 | 6:40 am

  This is a prayer from PRAYERS FOR MY CITY: A Fixed-Hour Prayer Guide for Grand Rapids releasing in the next few weeks in Grand Rapids and online retailers for $12.95 (you can pre-order HERE for $10, including shipping). Most gracious, merciful God, I thank you for creating marriage as a reflection of your own relationship between Father, Son, and Spirit; to provide companionship, support, and love for men and women; and to produce and raise children in the way of the Lord. I pray protection and provision over the marriages of Grand Rapids: protect them from the Enemy that would seek to devour…

• PRAYERS FOR MY CITY: Thursday Morning

  Jeremy

  19 Jan 2012 | 5:14 am

  This is a prayer from PRAYERS FOR MY CITY: A Fixed-Hour Prayer Guide for Grand Rapids releasing in the next few weeks in Grand Rapids and online retailers for $12.95 (you can pre-order HERE for $10, including shipping). Father, God of all mercies, your Holy Scriptures tell us that pure and faultless religion you accept is to look after the orphans and widows in their distress: I boldly pray that your face would shine brightly this morning upon all those in our city who suffer as orphans and widows; I pray that the Church of Grand Rapids would unite in relieving their distress; and I pray that…

• 

  Let My People Think (RZIM)

• The Word of God in Creation (Part 2 of 2)

  Ravi Zacharias

  27 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

  We’re so familiar with the creation account of Genesis that it’s easy to miss the theology and doctrine that are buried within its text. This week on Let My People Think, Dr. John Lennox fills in for Ravi Zacharias and shares a fascinating message on the Word of God in Creation.

• The Word of God in Creation (Part 1 of 2)

  Ravi Zacharias

  20 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

  We’re so familiar with the creation account of Genesis that it’s easy to miss the theology and doctrine that are buried within its text. This week on Let My People Think, Dr. John Lennox fills in for Ravi Zacharias and shares a fascinating message on the Word of God in Creation.

• Why Jesus

  Ravi Zacharias

  13 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

  Over a century ago, there was one man who began to speak of the “virtues” of Hinduism in the United States. As the decades rolled by, more gurus came and developed huge followings. Today, interest in eastern ideas in western culture seems to be at an all time high. Is Jesus still the answer even in this climate? Find out this week on Let My People Think as Ravi Zacharias discusses his new book, Why Jesus.

• The Mystery of Evil and the Miracle of Life (Part 2 of 2)

  Ravi Zacharias

  6 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

  Culture has largely done away with the notion of sin and an absolute notion of right and wrong. So when we see horrible headlines, many are at a loss to explain them. Can the Christian worldview offer any insight as to why mankind has taken this path? Find out this week on Let My People Think.

• The Mystery of Evil and the Miracle of Life (Part 1 of 2)

  Ravi Zacharias

  30 Dec 2011 | 11:00 pm

  Culture has largely done away with the notion of sin and an absolute notion of right and wrong. So when we see horrible headlines, many are at a loss to explain them. Can the Christian worldview offer any insight as to why mankind has taken this path? Find out this week on Let My People Think.

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  Real Live Preacher

• Falling into Open Arms

  rlp

  10 Jan 2012 | 9:45 am

  In my first post as Pilgrim, I mentioned that I used to be a pastor. I wouldn’t say that I have left the ministry, since all Christians are supposed to serve Christ in some way. I guess I would say that in February of 2010 I discovered that being a pastor is no longer what I am called to do and be. I haven’t exactly settled on what kind of ministry I will do in the future. I haven’t even found a church to join yet. And it’s not that I haven’t tried. I go to church almost every Sunday. But I’m still in a state of confusion. I walk into a church and feel rather lost. I see people…

• What a Fool Believes

  rlp

  4 Jan 2012 | 11:34 am

  Foy Davis driving up highway 1 north of Los Angeles in a red Mustang convertible. His left hand is on the steering wheel and his right hand is holding a half-eaten In-N-Out Burger. On the passenger side floor is a cooler filled with Diet Cokes. On the seat beside him is a computer and a bag of Pepperidge Farm Goldfish. He’s listening to the Doobie Brothers Greatest Hits CD and has it turned up loud. A range of steep hills are on the right; the Pacific Ocean is on the left. He sees a hitchhiker on the right side of the road. As he passes the man, they make eye contact. Foy turns his head,…

• A Closer Look (Pilgrim Post at Laity Lodge)

  rlp

  16 Dec 2011 | 8:55 am

  Do you have the perseverance to find something unique in one leaf, pulled from a tree full of leaves that any reasonable person would say are identical? Or did you want to be a reasonable person? Read this essay at the Laity Lodge website.

• Babette's Feast Meets Animal House

  rlp

  21 Nov 2011 | 10:15 am

  And now I’m at this retreat listening to Cliff and Christine Warner talk about their family with its wonderful Sabbath tradition of sharing carefully planned meals with their children and how they like to invite friends over for nutritious, locally grown, beautifully prepared meals that feed both body and soul. They seem to be living Babette’s Feast while my life looks like the cafeteria scene from Animal House... Read this essay at the Laity Lodge website.

• Babette's Feast Meets Animal House

  rlp

  21 Nov 2011 | 10:15 am

  And now I’m at this retreat listening to Cliff and Christine Warner talk about their family with its wonderful Sabbath tradition of sharing carefully planned meals with their children and how they like to invite friends over for nutritious, locally grown, beautifully prepared meals that feed both body and soul. They seem to be living Babette’s Feast while my life looks like the cafeteria scene from Animal House... Read this essay at the Laity Lodge website.

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  Red Letter Believers

• What's better for kids? Taekwando, or church?

  27 Jan 2012 | 7:26 am

  My next-door neighbor, Bob, is a good guy. He's a kid's doctor. He drives a motorcycle and has tatoos, but has a gentle nature that children ... and their parents ... adore. In summers past we have leaned on rakes and talked politics and weather. We have shoveled the shared sidewalks in the freezing cold and dug out fence posts that blew over with strong spring rains. He has two great kids who are polite and fun-loving. They look adults in the eye when they speak and always say thank you and please. But there is a chasm in our beliefs much wider than the 15 feet between our houses. We've…

• The Knots of Faith

  25 Jan 2012 | 6:30 am

  He pulled the rope taut, and with a flick of the wrist and lightning quick motions with his thumb and forefinger and he had a knot. I was nine and amazed. Image by mr.smashy I wanted to tie knots. I began to dream  of all the things I could connect rope to. I could tie one on the branch of a tree and swing on a tire like I’d seen on The Waltons. I could pull my wagon with my bike with the right knot. I could save someone drowning in the lake if I could tie a loop and throw it to her. But mostly, I just wanted a good knot that my brother couldn’t escape from when I tied him…

• An optimist's view of a pessimistic world

  23 Jan 2012 | 6:31 am

  There's plenty to occupy the mind of the pessimist. A Bleak economy. Bad news around the world. A protracted war. Heavy traffic. Moral decline.Indigestion. Post nasal drip. You name it – and it’s happening in very real ways. Image by Ankher via FlickrIf you are pessimist by nature, you've got to be feeling a little smug right now.  It doesn't help that the current presidential selection process is based on who has the worst news to reveal. I can hear the nay-sayer now. "I told you so!"  Getting some people to see any glimmer is nearly impossible. They have the…

• The toys I cherished

  20 Jan 2012 | 5:28 am

  The best-selling toys from this last Christmas season were hi-tech inventions, full of innovation and wizardry. Many of them need batteries or a manual. If I was a kid, I might be fascinated with them for a while, but then go back to something simple. If you look at the best-selling toys of all time include the Hula Hoop, the View Master, the Slinky, the Pet Rock, Zhu Zhu pets, Mr. Potato Head, Cabbage Patch Dolls, Gameboys, Barbie, and Nerf balls – most succeeded because of their creative, ingenious simplicity. I have owned many of them, or at least my kids did. After they were safely…

• The One Thing We Can't Talk About

  17 Jan 2012 | 6:32 am

  His name was Ed and he liked to talk. The administrator down the hall was one of those guys. He had a story for every situation. He'd been everywhere. He'd done everything. Ed had driven trucks for 12 years. He ran a pool hall for six years. He served as a hunting outfitter for four years and had been in his current job for 21 years. When I did the math, he was well north of 80 years old -- but I never challenged him on it. No need to ruin a good story. One day I was having coffee with him and I mentioned that my Life Group at church was talking through some interesting discoveries, that the…

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  Reformissionary

• Joseph Arthur | Redemption City FREE

  Steve McCoy

  23 Jan 2012 | 1:55 pm

  Joseph Arthur had my #2 album of 2006, Nuclear Daydream. His new double album is out and it's FREE. Download Redemption City.

• Explore App - The Good Book Company

  Steve McCoy

  23 Jan 2012 | 11:06 am

  I really like The Good Book Company. Brad Byrd is a friend and is always telling me about new resources they are putting out. But before he could even tell me about it, I noticed the Explore app on The Good Book blog and downloaded it on my phone. It's excellent. It's a self-paced devotional that you can use daily or use as you want. You start with 28 daily devotions free as an introduction to the devotional, and then you can subscribe to more. And these aren't just written by some no-name dude behind the scenes. They come from guys like Tim Chester, Christopher Ash, and Tim Keller.  Go…

• Avett Brothers | "One Too Many Mornings" Dylan Cover

  Steve McCoy

  20 Jan 2012 | 9:27 am

  The Avett Brothers visit Fallon to cover Bob Dylan's "One Too Many Mornings." Excellent as always!

• Lots-o-Links 1.18.12

  Steve McCoy

  18 Jan 2012 | 12:22 pm

  The Death of the Fringe Suburb For too long, we over-invested in the wrong places. Those retail centers and subdivisions will never be worth what they cost to build. We have to stop throwing good money after bad. It is time to instead build what the market wants: mixed-income, walkable cities and suburbs that will support the knowledge economy, promote environmental sustainability and create jobs. Seven Tips for Talking with Your Neighbors About Jesus For whatever reason, it’s easy for Christians to clam up and get weird when talking about their faith in the day-to-day. Here are a few…

• Stephen Miller: God & Sinner Reconcile

  Steve McCoy

  17 Jan 2012 | 10:34 am

  I get excited thinking about the direction some are taking with worship music. While there's a glut of stuff out there that all sounds the same to me and that I just can't listen to, there's a new breed of creative, biblical/theological worship guys at solid churches who are changing the game. I want to do what I can to encourage the creation of new, good worship music. Some of the music I've pointed to before includes Sojourn, Bifrost Arts, Aaron Ivey, Joe Day, Page CXVI, and others. Today I want to introduce you to someone who may be new to you. Stephen Miller, worship leader at The Journey…

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  The Scriptorium Daily: Middlebrow

• The Conversion of St. Paul

  Robert Llizo

  25 Jan 2012 | 4:18 am

  Christmas was exactly one month ago, and now, we celebrate another birth, or should I say , a new birth: the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, once fierce persecutor of the followers of Christ, now a formidable soldier for Christ. We can say with certainty that ignorance of St. Paul is ignorance of Christ, especially since much of the New Testament is comprised of his epistles, fourteen in all. Preacher, missionary, and theologian–these activities sum up his post-conversion life. This is a conversion that moved the world. St. Augustine picks up on Paul’s conversion from a persecutor…

• Not Your Old New Trinitarianism, A New New Trinitarianism

  Fred Sanders

  25 Jan 2012 | 2:26 am

  “Remythologizing” is a mouthful of a word, and it may scare people a few away from Kevin Vanhoozer’s fascinating book Remythologizing Theology: Divine Action, Passion, and Authorship (2010: Cambridge University Press). Vanhoozer explains in great detail what he means by it, and I won’t rehearse that here. But one of the reasons he picked the title was because it rhymes with the famous mid-century buzzword of a certain kind of liberalism, Rudolf Bultmann’s demythologizing. Vanhoozer’s style of theology is certainly setting out on drastically non-Bultmannian…

• Live Blog of NBC Florida

  John Mark Reynolds

  23 Jan 2012 | 8:03 pm

  Pre-debate- Mitt Romney must turn the tide. Newt has the momentum. Here we go. Newt gets to go first. Why? Reagan as Newt. Washington establishment is uncomfortable. Newt is not going to respond because he is above it. Mitt got under Newt’s skin. “You are a bad historian . . .” That is a lame response. Santorum says he has the right plan. It strikes me as irrelevant in the discussion. Paul just confirmed that Newt made a mess of the House and that he left because forced. Santorum talked about allowing banks to go under. This is a good point. He is very sharp. Gingrich is now…

• Mitt Romney, a Latter-day Republican

  John Mark Reynolds

  22 Jan 2012 | 2:00 am

  A love for the soul of the Republican party necessitates an evangelical vote for Mitt Romney. The Republican party was born appealing to northern evangelical voters and those voters helped elect Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln led them in a great crusade to save the Union and free the slaves. Those old-line voters still exist in states like Iowa and Ohio where evangelicals still are a big force in the politics of the GOP. These are the voters who can sing “Battle Hymn of the Republic” with no apologies. New England, part of the Republican heartland, grew more secular and less reliable for the…

• South Carolina: Live Blogging the Primary at Dad’s House

  John Mark Reynolds

  21 Jan 2012 | 5:20 pm

  The long time reader of these primary pieces will know our family has not been keen on the Gingrich candidacy. We think him unfit to serve in the office of President, but that doesn’t mean we do not appreciate the good he has done. The family rule has been that if we oppose a person to think of ten nice things to say about him. We owe him that as a brother in Christ. So before what looks to be his day of triumph here are: Ten Nice Things About Newt Gingrich First, he believed in a Republican House majority when few others did. He has vision. Second, he likes to read in an age when few…

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  Seedlings in Stone

• Inspired by Candy

  L.L. Barkat

  26 Jan 2012 | 4:04 pm

  I have become enamored with candy. Funny, because I am not a candy-eater. But the colors, the colors have really taken me.So of course now I am looking at everything through candy-colored glasses. And today, when I needed to buy new notebooks, I settled on these...candies.

• On, In, and Around Mondays: Collecting Words

  L.L. Barkat

  21 Jan 2012 | 6:33 am

  I open the Eighth Day Books blog to find this..."An instinctual poet, Barkat revels in the physical reality of words."Eighth Day is an amazing bookstore in the Midwest. It supplies the Calvin Festival and The Glen Workshop. How sweet to be mentioned (and stocked on their virtual shelves).What strikes me now is the odd tension of the phrase 'physical reality of words.'So suggestive.This week, someone asked me what makes anyone want to return to a poem, read it twice. The same question could suffice for any piece of writing. What makes us return?I thought seriously about this and developed many…

• Blue Pearls and Surprises

  L.L. Barkat

  18 Jan 2012 | 3:26 pm

  Today I loved blue beads, in this post. Later, I opened my mailbox and received a most precious gift from Karen Eck. She illustrated my poetry book InsideOut and surprise-gifted it to me, filled with her beautiful art.On one of the pages... blue pearls...

• On, In, and Around Mondays: Writing the Come-Again

  L.L. Barkat

  14 Jan 2012 | 9:55 am

  It's just another day on the trail. Me, biding my time, while my girl rides the auburn stallion around the ring.I go off, pick my way around horse droppings, to get some time in the open. I've been here so many times now, and I wonder why I bother to bring my camera yet again. The season is the same. The same grey twigs raise their dryness towards the sky. There are the wineberry canes, still red and leaning. Same indigo berries, a little more shriveled by winter's moisture-absent air.My fingers around the camera, I'm fiddling with the dark body, figuring it will stay in my pocket, wondering…

• On, In, and Around Mondays: Nothing-Doing Writing

  L.L. Barkat

  7 Jan 2012 | 8:13 am

  Phone calls (a lot of them!). Projects. Schedules. Business. And two weeks of laundry piled up because of the Christmas vacation.My head, spinning. (I know where that metaphor came from now, as I sit in the olive-green wingback chair.)A footstep in the hallway, and my husband comes into the room, wants to know, "Are you okay?"I am just sitting. I've taken my glasses off, and I'm holding my head in my hands (it feels good). I am doing nothing at all. Books piled at my feet. The round wooden table to my left, lights off except for the Christmas tree (we keep ours until it can't be kept…

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  Simply Missional

• Book Review: 7

  admin

  6 Jan 2012 | 11:44 am

  Jen Hatmaker’s latest book “7″ is a quick hitting book, filled with lots of real life stories that so many of her readers can connect with immediately.  Humbly, and yet with a sense of boldness, Jen tackles some real life issues, that for the most part, we would all like to ignore. Why? How many of us really want to deal with the fact that we possibly spend too much, have too much, eat too much and spend too much time on technology.  No thank you… We all desire our sin to stay in the dark… to be ignored, or justified. Yet, deep in our hearts we know we need change.

• Monday Morning Breakdown

  admin

  12 Dec 2011 | 8:49 am

    It’s Monday morning. As I stare at the calendar, it seems crazy that 2011 is almost gone. Needless to say, November and December have been crazy busy with travel, events, and  the holidays. H.E.L.P. launched our Christmas campaign last week. So excited to see this project come alive. We’ve also launched our new bloggers initiative. It’s still in beta, but I LOVE the potential. Here’s an example from Seth Haines. Bloggers can help get kids sponsored. So much potential. Had a great time in NYC last week.  Always enjoy hanging out with Matthew and Sarah…

• I’m Thankful

  admin

  24 Nov 2011 | 7:18 am

  I’m thankful for… Jesus, the cross and the redeemed life He allows me to live. For my family… their amazing! For my friends… their amazing! For my staff. They do amazing work, they sacrifice deeply for the sake of serving others. I’m grateful for them! For  the H.E.L.P. tribe. Those who go, give, love, pray, serve and advocate to help rescue orphans, restore their hope and renew their communities. We’re making an impact on so many lives!!! Our global partners and friends. They are my heroes who do amazing work each and everyday. Missional minded…

• Monday Morning Breakdown: Haiti

  admin

  14 Nov 2011 | 6:37 am

  Pic Credit: Jerry Espinosa Back from another trip to Haiti. Looking forward to getting this week started and making things happen. But first, let me take a moment to reflect on my 7th pilgrimage to Haiti last week. Every-time I go to Haiti, it helps me to re-center my life and ensure my priorities are straight. Haiti is beautiful. The people, the art, the food. We need to tell these stories more and more. Worshipping God in the midst of the largest tent-city in Haiti never gets old. We can learn so much from the resolve of Haitians and the local church that continues to move forward in…

• Haiti Trip Journals

  admin

  10 Nov 2011 | 8:52 am

  We were able to blog almost everyday last week while we were in Haiti. Check them out below. Powerful words from our team-members! 1.  Arrival 2. Partnership  3. A letter home.  4. Grateful  5. Connecting w/ an orphan! 

• 

  Strangely Dim

• (Slightly) More Objective Votes for 2011 Favorites

  Lisa Rieck

  26 Jan 2012 | 5:39 pm

  Well, we hate to brag. But we're going to anyway, of course.

• More Subjective Treatments for the Best of 2011

  Suanne Camfield

  24 Jan 2012 | 4:02 pm

  "Everybody thinks their opinion is the right one," says Anne Lamott. "If they didn't, they would get a new one." It's one of my favorite quotes, and the one that keeps running through my head as I try to put...

• Creative Maladjustment: Practicing the Faith of Martin Luther King, Jr.

  Dave Zimmerman

  16 Jan 2012 | 11:09 am

  In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we thought we'd post an excerpt from Adam Taylor's Mobilizing Hope, a book that, inspired by the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, aspires to unleash a generation of "transformed...

• Honest Faith & Survivor's Guilt: On the Second Anniversary of the Haiti Earthquake

  Dave Zimmerman

  12 Jan 2012 | 8:02 am

  Two years ago today IVP was still celebrating the successful December launch of Following Jesus Through the Eye of the Needle, Kent Annan's mission memoir of his time living and working in Haiti. We had introduced Kent to the world...

• For the Feast of Epiphany

  Dave Zimmerman

  6 Jan 2012 | 10:45 am

  I always liked the Magi. Really, who wouldn't? "We three kings of Orient are / chewing on a rubber cigar ..." Sing it if you know it ...  That silly satire is my earliest impression of the Magi. But it hardly...

• 

  Tall Skinny Kiwi

• Tall skinny elves at The Hobbit casting call

  Andrew

  28 Jan 2012 | 12:10 am

  I took my tallest kids over to Lower Hutt today for The Hobbit casting call. Filming starts next month for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and they were looking for extras: the short, the tall, the skinny, men with big biceps [not me} and those with 'character faces'. Unfortunately, 3000 people turned up and they could only handle 800. The rest of us were turned away but told we could apply online. The Herald said they were "overwhelmed" but it should have been a surprise. We all want to be in the movie! Bummer! My kids and I would have made great elves. I am 1.96cm (6'5'') and my son,…

• Sweet Voice Amber Hunter

  Andrew

  27 Jan 2012 | 1:18 pm

  Amber Hunter has been giving songs away online for years but now is creating her first CD. She led worship at our roundtable gathering at Cornerstone Festival last year and we really loved having her there. She has a story to tell. Watch the video and if you want to help out, visit her project at Kickstarter.

• What if church could be more like summer camp?

  Andrew

  26 Jan 2012 | 3:04 pm

  Camps are cool. My youngest kids went to Christian camps last week. TJ (9) went to El Rancho and Hannah (14) went to Lakeview Bible Camp with some Gospel Chapel people from Foxton. They had a great time. They came home with huge smiles and heads full of memories. I also have very fond memories of New Zealand camps when I was younger. Camps are where you can hang out late at night, dress badly, discover yourself, fight the giggles at 2 in the morning, watch the uninhibited speaker embarrass himself publicly, eat poorly cooked food, get up surprisingly early to pray, create and perform silly…

• Top 15 Ways Pastors Get Rich

  Andrew

  24 Jan 2012 | 10:48 pm

  Ever been ripped off by a pastor? It's embarrassing. In San Francisco many years ago, my wife and I were relieved of our wedding rings at a Pentecostal meeting. The mega-church preacher had flown in "unexpectantly" from Argentina to host this spontaneous meeting for us pastors and leaders. I don't remember if I handed over my ring before or after he put his hand on my head and knocked me backwards since it was all a little cloudy that night, and still is, actually, but I do remember wondering how the pastor was going to get all that jewelry through customs. And what he would do with the money…

• The Bourne Ecclesiology

  Andrew

  20 Jan 2012 | 7:44 pm

  Can't wait for the next movie in the Bourne series. Here's a suggestion.

• 

  The Lutheran

• Finding our place during Lent

  31 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

  Lately I have become curious about these questions: Would you describe your life as being rooted or rootless? How would you describe your congregation and the ELCA? What are the signs for you that help discern whether we are rooted or rootless?Think how famine and war, poverty and natural disasters uproot millions, forcing them to live as migrants in search of safety, shelter and food. Frequent moves and career changes can diminish the number of lasting relationships to a faith community or even faith itself.Yet profound change in one's life and community — experiences of being uprooted…

• U2, other popular band lyrics for you too

  31 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

• Icing on the cake

  31 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

  In 1982, refugees Nao and Sounthane Vongpheth and their children enjoyed cake at Christ Lutheran Church, Roanoke, Va., to celebrate the one-year anniversary of their arrival in the U.S. When the family came to Roanoke after losing a previous sponsor in Texas, Christ's members were surprised to find that a single man, Bounmy Insixiengmay, had accompanied the Vongpheths. But what's one more? By this time, the congregation had stopped counting the number of refugees they had sponsored from Laos, Cambodia and other countries in Southeast Asia.

• Notice us home

  31 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

  Hi! We're here. We've come to worship. We're new ... or maybe we just haven't been here for a while. We look a little reserved. That's because we're a bit cautious, maybe even scared. You see, we are looking for something — a home.This home is currently your home, or at least it feels like your home. We aren't sure we belong here. We're not even sure we are wanted here. But ... this is the thing. If you notice us, we may light up — sort of like your dog does when you call her name. Your noticing awakens us. It brings us to life and into existence in this home.

• Buddies are a blessing

  31 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

  It started with a study. Kim Wilson, an ELCA pastor, read research indicating that children are more likely to be involved and stay active in the church if people there — besides family — know them and call them by their first name. With that piece of information, Wilson created Blessing Buddies to build intergenerational relationships between Sunday school students and older adults."We're only in worship for an hour on Sunday mornings. We don't get the chance to deepen the relationships then," said Wilson, who began pairing Sunday school students with active adults in her former…

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  Century Blog

• Friday digest

  Steve Thorngate

  27 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am

  New today from the Century. read more

• Systemic distortion

  Carol Howard Merritt

  27 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am

  We hear stories of systemic discrimination on a constant basis. What are we going to do about it?  read more

• "Grace and Truth"

  James Calvin Schaap

  27 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am

  Confession time. Once, years ago, when I was a college student home for a break, my mother, who taught piano for most of her life, declared that she would bestow upon her son a 10-dollar bill if he would only sit down at the piano in the den and pound out a hymn, any hymn at all. read more

• Politicizing Gabby Giffords

  Debra Dean Murphy

  26 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am

  By all accounts Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords is a remarkable woman: A respected, conciliatory colleague in the contentious House of Representatives long before the tragic shooting in Tucson; a hardworking politician deeply committed to the concerns of her constituents (which is why she was in a suburban parking lot that fateful Saturday morning); a supportive spouse read more

• Thursday digest

  Steve Thorngate

  26 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am

  New today from the Century. read more

• 

  theologer

• Suggestion for ESV Section Name Change

  Roger Mugs

  26 Jan 2012 | 10:52 pm

  In my ESV Bible about half-way through verse 4 of chapter 16 in the Gospel of John is the following section title, "The Work of the Holy Spirit." I suggest it should be changed to, "The Holy Spirit is Going to be Awesome." Seems to me that would have much better described what Jesus had to say.

• An Organizational Priorities Paradigm Shift

  Roger Mugs

  25 Jan 2012 | 11:54 pm

  There has been a trend in Christian circles towards emphasizing getting our personal priorities straight. Basically the argument goes something like this: In the past, people have valued ministry before their families and often their families suffered as a result. Now people have recognized this as foolishness and are arguing that the family is the most important ministry anyone can have. Our families are our most important disciples. Therefore our priorities should be in the following order: 1) God, 2) Family, and finally 3) Ministry. Ministry is very important, but only God should be valued…

• Violence Victorious ➙

  Roger Mugs

  18 Jan 2012 | 8:34 pm

  "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence,[a] and the violent take it by force." - Matthew 11:12. One of my favorite verses. And somewhere, something I read pointed me towards this. Brilliance by Richard Sibbes. Again God will have this violence and striving, as a character of difference, to shew who are bastard professors and who are not; who will go to the price of Christianity, and who will not. If men will go to heaven they must be violent, they must be at the cost and charges, sometimes to venture life itself, and whatsoever is dear and…

• On the Origin of Cyrus ➙

  Roger Mugs

  17 Jan 2012 | 9:27 pm

  I'm reading Ezra as our house church moves in to studying the book. I am moved by how the Lord worked through Cyrus, and even his humility in declaring that he knows his authority and power have come from the God of Heaven (Ezra 1:2). So I got to wondering who was this guy? Apparently there are several different versions of his origin. But this one is pretty amazing. Click the title above to read the rest from the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. This reads like a Sophocles tragedy. In fact I can't believe there hasn't been a movie made with this as it's premise. Several…

• Do Not Say: Or, The churchs excuses for neglecting the heathen: with a statement and an appeal . . .

  Roger Mugs

  9 Dec 2011 | 2:41 pm

  This pamphlet is the reason James Fraser went in to missions. And therefore it is the reason the Lisu people are in a large part Christian to this day.Fascinating. I've been looking for it for years, but I finally found it here. PDF, Kindle, etc... Beauty.Amazing to think the effect a small little pamphlet can have on so many lives.

• 

  Think Christian Articles

• Egypt: A year later

  Chris Meehan

  27 Jan 2012 | 1:00 am

  Posted on 01/27/12 Thousands of Egyptians filled Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo, Egypt, this week to mark the one-year anniversary of the Egyptian revolution that broke out last January and eventually drove long-time Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak from office. Where has the turmoil left the country’s Christians? “It has been quite a year in Egypt, full of many bad things and good things,” said Anne Zaki, who lives in Egypt and is coordinator of the Middle East Ministry for the Christian Reformed Church’s Office of Social Justice. “But I think this next year…

• What’s a Top Comment anyway?

  Josh Larsen

  26 Jan 2012 | 8:18 am

  Posted on 01/26/12 How much do we value your participation at Think Christian? Enough to build a unique feature specifically tailored to sharing your contributions. We're calling it Top Comments, and it's a new way to highlight the good conversation that takes place among readers and contributors. We'll be selecting what we feel are the best comments made on our articles, according to our Discussion Guidelines. These Top Comments will appear in various places across Think Christian. On the home page, we'll feature a handful that are drawn from all our current articles. In…

• Welcome to Think Christian

  Josh Larsen

  26 Jan 2012 | 8:17 am

  Posted on 01/26/12 As you poke around the new Think Christian, you'll notice many changes. Most of these have been made to do two basic things: better display the breadth of content we have to offer and more strongly emphasize your participation in what we're now calling a collaborative digital magazine. To the first point, you'll notice a menu bar at the top of each page listing the various topics Think Christian covers (News & Politics, Home & Family, etc.) Click on any one and you'll see all the latest stories in each category. As for the participation part, our new…

• Sledding crows and our anthropomorphizing God

  John Van Sloten

  25 Jan 2012 | 4:45 pm

  Posted on 01/25/12 It's hard not to smile when you watch the viral video, posted below, of a sledding crow. The crow seems to be playing, snowboarding down a sloped roof on a jar lid! The giggling delight of the children and their parents, overheard as they record the video, is contagious. Surely God was laughing at this little avian exhibition as well. But do crows really play? Or was this crow just engaging in a creative way of dislodging some food from the lid of that jar? Often we human beings anthropomorphize animal behaviors; we read ourselves into a cat's attitude, a dog's…

• Jobs, Steve Jobs and the State of the Union

  Jordan J. Ballor

  24 Jan 2012 | 8:49 pm

  Posted on 01/24/12 President Obama’s State of the Union speech focused in large part on the troubled global economy and the way forward for America. His emphasis was on the continued maintenance of the “American promise that if you worked hard, you could do well enough to raise a family, own a home, send your kids to college and put a little away for retirement.” President Obama decried corporations who outsource jobs to other countries and the countries that welcome those jobs as two of the biggest threats to the continued viability of the American dream. First, the…

• 

  Bible Gateway's Verse of the Day

• John 4:24

  Bible Gateway

  27 Jan 2012 | 6:00 pm

  “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.””

• 

  Dan Kimball: Vintage Faith

• Wednesday Weird Bible Verse - Judges 3:20-22 - blade, belly-fat and bowels

  DanKimball

  25 Jan 2012 | 2:02 am

  "Ehud then approached him...and said, “I have a message from God for you.” As the king rose from his seat, Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh and plunged it into the king’s belly....

• Google+ and Facebook

  DanKimball

  19 Jan 2012 | 7:57 pm

  for those going on Google+ and want to connect there http://www.gplus.to/dankimball It seems that more activity is happening on Google+ lately. I am still not sure how to be working with both Google+ and Facebook. It will be interesting to...

• Wednesday Weird Bible Verse - Judges 16:17 - shave your head and become weak

  DanKimball

  18 Jan 2012 | 4:26 am

  "If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man.” - Judges 16:17

• Wednesday Weird Bible Verse - 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 - women be silent

  DanKimball

  3 Jan 2012 | 2:45 pm

  "Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is...

• Wednesday-Weird-Bible-Verse - Deuteronomy 7:2 - Show them no mercy

  DanKimball

  28 Dec 2011 | 4:49 am

  Deuteronomy 7:2 - "and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must destroy them totally. Make no treaty with them, and show them no mercy." * Two great book...

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  All Blogs - XXXchurch

• Cerebral Assassian

  28 Jan 2012 | 4:14 am

  In the 80’s there was a anti-drug commercial that said “This is your brain, this is your brain on drugs. Any questions?”   I’m going to kick it up a notch. “This is your brain, this is your brain on porn”. Our minds are amazing creations. They are a rolodex of memories and knowledge. The problem is we take better care of our MACs/PCs than we do with “natures computer”. We will download software to keep viruses, pop-ups, intruders and various other potentially fatal hazards off our device. So why do we corrupt our minds with porn? The…

• 30 Signs You May Be Struggling With Sexual Addiction

  28 Jan 2012 | 4:08 am

  1. You are adamant that it is not your issue 2. Your eyes scan every woman who walks into the room 3. You unexpectedly go silent 4. You find yourself searching for sexual partners online just for research 5. You go out of your way to drive by strip clubs 6. You call escorts to ask questions without making a commitment 7. You erase your temporary Internet history daily 8. You only search the web after clicking on the “start private browsing” tab 9. You masturbate every day or every other day 10. Whenever you are alone you look at porn 11. You schedule your day around when you will…

• X3's Company #12 Dating part II

  27 Jan 2012 | 5:30 am

  We just released a brand new episode of X3's Company #12. We keep talk about DATING. The last episode #11 was part 1 of Dating and this episode we finish the conversation. X3's Company is a podcast from XXXchurch.com. We take your questions and try and give you some helpful answers. We only are doing #13 episodes of this podcast so only two more left after this. X3's Company - All available on same iTunes feed. Also available in iTunes audio only and you can check out Podcast page.  

• Does Light Really Believe It Can Reach Darkness?

  27 Jan 2012 | 12:30 am

  So, earlier today... I was reading an article on Salon.com entitled, "The Joy of Judgmental Christian Sex". Yeah. I know, right? HERE. WE. GO. AGAIN. It was talking about two relatively new books, one that I actually think I've referenced in one of these blogs before: "Sexperiment: 7 Days to Lasting Intimacy with Your Spouse". Anyway, as I'm sure you can tell from the title of piece, it wasn't singing the praises of sexual purity and physical intimacy's true purpose. And, of course, being what the (main) focus of this website/ministry is about, I'm sure you can understand why this particular…

• Outta Control

  26 Jan 2012 | 11:22 pm

    Like with most addictions, you get to a point where you feel like you can’t stop and you have no control. What you once enjoyed doing here and there for “fun” has now become your life—consuming you and taking control of everything you do.  What you once did for fun has now become your prison.  You feel as though you have no choice but to be consumed by what has become your addiction; and the high that you once got from that video or picture no longer satisfies, because you’ve “already seen it.”  You want something new, something…

• 

  [TerraceCrawford.com]

• This is What Has Made Me Pretty Famous

  19 Jan 2012 | 10:24 am

  I was giving some thought about an upcoming talk I'm preparing to give to students on the subject of Heaven and then I viewed this video online where a guy sings about how he's "looking for a city." This may inspire you like it did me. Ha!My favorite line: "This is what has made me pretty famous." I've been walking around the office all morning quoting that one line over and over again after I do just about anything. RSS Subscribers: there is video [here]

• My Interview with YouthMin.org

  13 Jan 2012 | 10:20 am

  Recently I was interviewed by YouthMin.org about working with teenagers and also about my Coaching Network (that you can be a part of by simply applying [here] -- today is the deadline!) I'll include a couple of questions here that I was asked and then you can go [here] for the rest.[YM] What led you to create the Coaching Network? [Terrace] I feel like God has been nudging me to Coach youth workers for a few years now but I never did it. I've seen a great need in the world of youth ministry for people who are just starting out to have someone to help guide them in building youth ministries…

• I'm Looking for 10 Leaders...

  11 Jan 2012 | 11:11 am

  One of the things that makes great leaders is knowing what your resources are and knowing how to use them. I think that many leaders just don't know what is available to them so they encounter obstacles (more often than not) in their journey when they could have made things easier for them just by knowing the right people, having the right tools, and knowing how to use those tools. I've created what I think is a great resource for youth workers, but unfortunately many people aren't aware of it. Last year I founded the Youth Worker Coaching Network designed to help youth workers who have only…

• 8 Benefits of Joining My Coaching Network

  6 Jan 2012 | 10:24 am

  I've nearly finished my first round of coaching and its been a very rewarding experience. I've had a great time providing help to youth workers who have been in the field for 5 years or less.Perhaps you'd like to join my next group? Let me tell you a bit about it...My coaching network will offer everything you might get from a conference, but it will be a semester long (approximately 6 months). Here are 8 benefits of joining my Coaching Network: 1. I'll be your personal coach and cheerleader for 6 months.2. You'll get practical guidance and personal counsel.3. You'll get a weekly phone call…

• Top 10 Posts of 2011

  3 Jan 2012 | 9:20 am

  I'm really looking forward to sharing with you on the blog this new year. It's been incredible to look back at the last year and see what brought many of you to the site. I thought I would share with you today the Top 10 Posts of 2011 on TerraceCrawford.comTop 10 Posts of 2011 (ranked in order):105 Glimpses into the Future of Youth Ministry9.5 Ways to Avoid Becoming Irrelevant to Teens8. 6 Reasons Young Christians are Leaving Church7.10 Things I Pray for Today's Teenager6Rob Bell on Youth Ministry5.Francis Chan: Erasing Hell [Video]4.Starbucks: An Illustrated Future3.The Discrimination of…

• 

  Deep Thoughts by Gman

• Three Books I'm currently reading.

  27 Jan 2012 | 11:39 am

  They say every leader is a reader. So here is what I am currently reading. What are you currently reading? http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO

• How the Disciples Began and Grew - MM Davis - A book Review!

  25 Jan 2012 | 11:58 am

  I just finished reading "A short History of the Christian Church" published in 1915. Several things stood out to me especially the quote from President Johnson of former Johnson Bible College now Johnson University ... pg. 171; "President Johnson says we must do one of two things: train more preachers, or become a 'disappearing brotherhood' amd he prefers the former, and is doing his part in preacher-training." How true a Statement!!! Even for the 21st Century over 97 yrs later. The other thing that stood out to me was on pg. 192 "Canada now has 100 churches, 10, 000 members, 90 ministers…

• Not a Fan Series: More Than Rules.

  25 Jan 2012 | 11:46 am

  There is more than rules to Christianity. Fans have rules. Followers go beyond the rules .... Rules tend to hinder and make a religion. Jesus wants a relationship. Rules define, and bound. A relationship is ongoing, and consuming.... helping the journey, not hindering the outcome. So this week - we look at why Christianity, Jesus, and the Bible is more than rules .... http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO

• Cell phones in Church

  24 Jan 2012 | 4:50 pm

  http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO

• Shows I Watch Today.

  23 Jan 2012 | 2:00 am

  Here are some TV shows I occasionally like watching: 10. America's Funniest Videos 9. World's Dumbest .... 8. Psych 7. Shipping Wars 6. American Pickers 5. Pawn Stars 4. Ice Road Truckers 3. Lizard Lick Towing 2. Today show 1. Storage Wars. What Shows do you watch?http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO

• 

  Digging The Word

• Looking For Justice In An Unfair World

  Rick Morgan

  27 Jan 2012 | 9:46 am

  A lesson about prayer teaches us about God's character. Luke 18:1-8 One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. 2 “There was a judge in a certain city,” he said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people. 3 A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.’ 4 The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, 5 but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out…

• God Says "Trust Me" And He Means It

  Rick Morgan

  25 Jan 2012 | 6:24 am

  If I could just be as faithful as God is to his promises. 2 Timothy 2:11-13 This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is. Trust me! Usually when you hear those words you know that you need to proceed carefully, but not so when the one saying "trust me" is our God, when he tells you to trust him, you can take it to the bank. "If" is a tiny little word with a lot of power, it is a word that invites us to make a…

• Business As Usual

  Rick Morgan

  24 Jan 2012 | 8:46 am

  Are you ready to fly when Jesus returns? Luke 17:26-30 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 27 In those days, the people enjoyed banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 “And the world will be as it was in the days of Lot. People went about their daily business—eating and drinking, buying and selling, farming and building— 29 until the morning Lot left Sodom. Then fire and burning sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 Yes, it will be ‘business as…

• God Blesses More Than We Thank

  Rick Morgan

  21 Jan 2012 | 7:21 am

  One out of ten lepers appreciate Jesus Luke 17:11-19 As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. 12 As he entered a village there, ten lepers stood at a distance, 13 crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. 15 One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” 16 He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus…

• Loving Your Neighbor Isn't Optional

  Rick Morgan

  18 Jan 2012 | 8:50 am

  The rich man had no concern for people in need. Luke 16:19-23; 31 Jesus said, “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. 20 At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. 21 As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores. 22 “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and his soul went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far…

• 

  Youth Ministry Reflections

• Book Review: Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half

  Mike Kupferer

  5 Jan 2012 | 12:49 pm

  This is a review my wife wrote after reading the book, “Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half” by Steve & Annette Economides If you are in youth ministry, or any form of ministry, you could probably use some of the tips in the book to help your salary stretch a bit more. “A dollar saved is a dollar gained” is a phrase I have heard before, and in their book the Economides show how to gain a lot of money when it comes to feeding your family.  Although not every strategy will work for each reader, there are so many ways to cut costs on your grocery bills that certainly…

• Book Review: It Couldn’t Just Happen by Lawrence Richards

  Mike Kupferer

  22 Dec 2011 | 2:58 pm

  It Couldn’t Just Happen is not simply a creation v. evolution book for kids. It’s a book that anyone can learn from. Though it is filled with color photos and x-rays, it is not childish in its presentation of scientific facts that shine light on God’s creation. To make it just a little more applicable, each chapter has a series of questions at the end. The book is broken up into five parts. The first part looks at Earth, including its origins. The second part delves into the beginning of life, even answering the question of if life can begin in a test tube. The third part takes a closer…

• The Wise & Foolish Builder

  Mike Kupferer

  4 Oct 2011 | 9:18 am

  In Matthew 7, Jesus tells a parable of two builders: one wise and one foolish. Without even reading the story, you already know which builder you would want to be, right? Nobody wants to be foolish. Before we say anything else, read the passage again. 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not…

• Sunshine, baseball, and wornout grass

  Mike Kupferer

  30 May 2011 | 5:43 am

  It was a nice sunny day and the entire family headed outside to enjoy the weather. The kids rode bikes, played with sidewalk chalk and just ran around. My wife and I played catch and talked. But then something happened that reinforced the fact that youth ministry is part of my family culture. Upon seeing one of the neighborhood kids (a 7th grader) come out of his house with his glove my wife says to me, “You should see if he wants to come over and play catch with you.” On one side, she figured I would enjoy playing catch with someone who is better at baseball and on the other…

• Book Review: Jolt! by Phil Cooke

  Mike Kupferer

  28 May 2011 | 8:57 am

  In Jolt!, Phil Cooke set out to write a book to help people navigate a constantly changing world. My first question when I saw this book was, “Is it possible to effectively write a book, which takes over a year from start to finish, about changing culture.” This was a question I was curious to answer, so I read Jolt! and made my own decision.   What Cooke is able to do throughout the book is discuss principles to navigate change and not specifics on handling individual changes. He discusses twenty-five mini-jolts within five larger categories. The five main categories are: jolt your…

• 

  Human3rror

• COUPLE: How To Understand and Give Respect to Your Wife

  admin

  28 Jan 2012 | 7:27 am

  The obvious counterpart to CHAIRS for men. Here’s the women’s side of things: Closeness – She wants you to be close. Your wife feels close when: You hold her hand. You hug her. You are affectionate without sexual intentions. You go for a walk. You seek her out You go out of your way to do something for her. You make it a priority to spend time with her. You are aware of her as a person with a mind and opinions. You suggest the unexpected. You pillow talk after making love. Openness – She wants you to open up to her. You wife feels you are open with her when: You share…

• CHAIRS: How To Understand and Give Respect to Your Husband

  admin

  26 Jan 2012 | 4:56 am

  Some more of my notes and study on the marriage relationship as it relates to the husband. Somewhat easy to remember too! CHAIRS: Conquest – The natural inborn desire of the man is to go out and conquer the challenges of his world – to work and achieve. He will feel you appreciate his desire to work and achieve when: You tell him verbally or in writing that you value his efforts. You express your faith in him related to his chosen field. You listen to his work stories as closely as you expect him to listen to your accounts of what happens in the family. Allow him to dream as you…

• Power Rangers – All Grown Up

  admin

  25 Jan 2012 | 6:09 pm

  LOL. You just finished reading Power Rangers – All Grown Up! and you survived!

• Men, Women, and Sex

  admin

  24 Jan 2012 | 7:57 am

  A few things that I’ve picked up during my certification as a marriage counselor: Men spell intimacy S-E-X. Here are some issues regarding men and sexual intimacy: A husband needs his wife to initiate sex occasionally. A husband often struggles with feelings of inadequacy or failure. A husband gets discouraged when his wife does not express her passion for him. A husband feels as if he’s not important to his wife when she doesn’t take time to make love. A husband becomes concerned when life situations (such as depression, grief, and loss) interfere with his interest in sex.

• Things Don’t Change

  admin

  22 Jan 2012 | 7:17 am

  #LOL I’m pretty sure I know a few people like this. You just finished reading Things Don’t Change! and you survived!

• 

  /blog/

• Late afternoon sunlight

  monica

  16 Jan 2012 | 8:56 am

  The image you seek out with your point and shoot after you spent the afternoon reading Sad, Irish Writer, coupled with a morning conversation of no more babies, kids growing fast and “Do you remember how we met?” Do you remember how we met? I remember. We sat on a sofa facing a large window.  Beyond the glass, trees. Beyond trees, the valley, with the Delaware I can’t see due to distance and all the green leaves, but I know it’s there. Me – not yet a mother. But I would be soon. You – a mother years ahead of me. Today, I’m catching up. You with…

• Re-thinking church

  monica

  10 Jan 2012 | 7:42 pm

  I’m re-thinking church. The church I call home, and have attended faithfully for the past 12 years, is in the middle of a transition. Our Pastor is retiring. Witnessing the process of filling his position is revealing a side of our Evangelical denomination that I have never bumped into before.  Last Sunday, an off-handed comment whispered in my ear shocked me.  The only thought in my mind as I sat in the pew, brushing away the tears: This isn’t a church, this is a business. Thoughts on what a church should look like has been on my mind for awhile. Time traveling to the early…

• Boy explores library – alone

  monica

  9 Jan 2012 | 1:57 pm

  Did you expect anything different, Monica? Boy explores library – alone is a post from: Monica with mobile. © 2012 Monica Brand

• Fun at Frenchtown Roller Rink

  monica

  5 Jan 2012 | 7:56 pm

  We went to the Frenchtown Roller Rink today. Fun for the kids. Not much skating for me. The soft padding of the inside of my Rollerblades were missing, which made skating feel like I had tiny rocks in my skates. So either I remember extra thick socks next time or I stuff my skates with some sort of a replacement padding. Who thinks I’m going to forget that fact between now and the next time we go? Yeah, me too. This is the same rink my church youth group went to when I was a shy teenager and desperate to find my way in the complex high school scene. I know this is the rink the youth…

• Sharing space

  monica

  2 Jan 2012 | 8:39 pm

  Life from the holidays is slowly returing to normal. Joe went back to work after being off for the past week. I decided to keep the Christmas decorations up until Epiphany. I’ve never paid attention to Epithany before, but I read an interesting article via Facebook and liked the idea of a proper 12 Days of Christmas. Joe decided to start cleaning his home office last weekend. It’s that New Year affect (effect? I never know which to chose.) It’s “Let’s start things new because the calendar is clean and fresh.” I have my old writing desk in our bedroom, the…

• 

  Thinking Out Loud

• Are These Realistic Expectations?

  paulthinkingoutloud

  28 Jan 2012 | 5:44 am

  Later today, the Drew Marshall Show is introducing another God-blogger,  Rachel Snyder at The Lazy Christian.  I’m not sure with a blog name like that if Drew is providing role models or anti-role models — a few months ago it was Jamie, The Very Worst Missionary. Anyway, you can catch the show live starting at 1:00 PM EST (until 5:00) or wait a week and catch the segments from the week before which are always posted on Fridays.    Meanwhile, he’s a sneak peek at something from the Rachel’s blog: A Short Play by Rachel: Great Expectations Scene opens on RACHEL and…

• Close Up: How Church Discipline Happens at Mars Hill Seattle

  paulthinkingoutloud

  27 Jan 2012 | 4:55 am

  This is an article about how Mark Driscoll’s church — Mars Hill in Seattle, WA — handles church discipline issues and excommunication, presented anecdotally and in painstaking detail. I have no hesitation in importing large amounts of text from other blogs if I think it means that people will actually read the subject matter in question, but in this case, you are indeed going to have to click, because the narrative is lengthy; but also because you need to reward all the work that went into making this story available. In a two-part blog post,  Mark Driscoll’s Church…

• The Elephant Has Left The Building

  paulthinkingoutloud

  27 Jan 2012 | 4:37 am

  I was going to devote this space today to a collection of blogger reactions to The Elephant Room 2 satellite conference presented by James MacDonald.  However, the reactions among bloggers at the two Alltop aggregators (church and Christianity) were much more sparse than I expected, and the whole thing has been somewhat overshadowed by MacDonald’s resignation from The Gospel Coalition, an organization we choose not to track here. A greater degree of research is obviously required, and some attendees are still making their way back to their home computers. So, rather than do a…

• Choosing My Religion (On the Basis of Music)

  paulthinkingoutloud

  26 Jan 2012 | 9:20 pm

  This classic bit from Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers is old, I know; but I figured someone out there may be in need of a laugh right now.

• The Discussion They Never Had

  paulthinkingoutloud

  26 Jan 2012 | 5:09 am

  They were married for 37 years. After she passed away, he says — and friends confirm — he cried ‘buckets and buckets of tears.’ “I don’t know where she is right now;” he told friends, referring his lack of insight into her eternal destiny. They never had that conversation. They simply never discussed faith-related subjects. And here’s the surprise ending: They went to church almost every Sunday.

• 

  Just A Thought

• The Emancipation of Robert Sadler - A Book Review

  26 Jan 2012 | 9:36 pm

  The Emancipation of Robert Sadler was a book I could not put down. When this book was first offered to me for review, I chose to accept based on the co-author. Marie Chapian wrote a book about a Yugoslavian pastor that my wife and I read more than once and which still holds a position on on our bookshelf. So when I saw she was involved with this book, I decided to give it a spin.As I read this

• Markers Along the Way

  20 Jan 2012 | 5:03 pm

  Looking back over my Christian walk, I see some markers along the way. They are Bible verses that became my "life verse" for a time. Ones that spoke to where I was at in my journey with the Lord. It started off as a new believer. That first Christmas, my Mom purchased me a little desktop plaque that quoted Prov. 3:5-6. This verse says "Trust in the LORD with all your

• 5 Questions With Mark Buchanan

  11 Jan 2012 | 9:00 am

  Welcome to 5 Questions With.....Today's Guest is Mark Buchanan. I first discovered Mark's books after a recommendation from a colleague, Pastor Stanley Groothof. I have since had the pleasure of reading and being blessed by a few of Mark's books.Mark Buchanan is a pastor (New Life Community Baptist Church), award-winning author, and father of three who lives with his wife, Cheryl, on the

• 5 Questions With Jamie Arpin-Ricci

  8 Jan 2012 | 9:00 am

  Welcome to 5 Questions With.....Today's Guest is Jamie Arpin-Ricci. I first met Jamie at a YWAM leadership conference. Jamie is a writer, pastor, and missional church-planter living in the inner city of Winnipeg, Canada with his Aussie wife, Kim, and Ethiopian son, Micah. He is the pastor of Little Flowers Community, a Franciscan-Anabaptist faith community in Winnipeg's downtown West End.

• The Cost of Community

  6 Jan 2012 | 7:55 pm

  The Cost of Community: Jesus, St. Francis and Life in the Kingdom (IVP) is book written by Youth With A Mission's Winnipeg Director, Jamie Arpin-Ricci.I would not have normally gravitated to a book about St. Francis. To be honest, I just thought the guy was a bit...strange. However, the fact that I knew the author and that he was discussing the Sermon on the Mount as well were big hooks for

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  Bible Prophecy- The Rapture

• Desiring God, and Rich In Faith

  15 Jan 2012 | 6:41 pm

  Make a list of your daily thoughts, and on the right side write the powerful name King Jesus Christ. Next write the word money on the left side, and keep track of how many times you say or think about money or Jesus Christ everyday... Psalm 94:19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul. Psalm 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. Isaiah 66:18 For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and…

• The Gospel Has Been Preached

  7 Dec 2010 | 1:35 am

  The Gospel Has Been Preached… Romans 10:17-18 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. Romans 16:25-26 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for…

• God of Hope

  1 Jul 2010 | 6:35 pm

  The God of Hope Fill You... Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. JOY Psalm 5:11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for (joy) because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name (be joyful in thee) Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life (in thy presence is fulness of joy) at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 27:6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in…

• Rapture Before The Tribulation

  14 May 2010 | 12:38 pm

  (Raptured) Rescued Before The Tribulation… Genesis 8:4 as Noahs Ark Rested on the Mountains after (the 7th month) and The Bride of Christ Rapture to the New Jerusalem (Heaven) above the Wrath that's in (the 7 year) Tribulation. As the Righteous in Noahs ark were Lifted up above, over all the Tribulation- Wrath on Earth was under their feet. Also in the Rapture- We are Lifted up above, over all the Tribulation- Wrath on Earth (under us) Psalm 47:3 (under our feet) Psalm 47:1-9 The Rapture is going to happen, and it will catch a great multitude Left Behind by Surprise… Many of this world,…

• The Holy Ghost and Speaking In Tongues

  8 May 2010 | 1:01 am

  The Holy Ghost, and Speaking In Tongues… Speaking in Tongues (The Heavenly Language) is Spiritual, and will edify (edifieth- To build up) You 1 Corinthians 14:4 and can help one understand, and usher forth the testimony of Jesus Christ 1 Corinthians 1:5-7 The Spirit of Prophecy Revelation 19:10 Prophecy, Prophesy, Prophesieth edify (edifieth- To build up) The body of believers- The church 1 Corinthians 14:4 The testimony of Christ was confirmed in you... 1 Corinthians 1:5-7 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 6Even as (the testimony of Christ…

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  Eric Bryant - Blog

• A Place at the Table: 40 Days of Solidarity with the Poor

  Eric Bryant

  27 Jan 2012 | 7:26 pm

  Ever since I met him during our freshmen year at Baylor University, Chris Seay has always challenged me to think and live in new ways. His latest initiative includes a 40 day experience in solidarity with the poor. Want to join him and others? If so, watch below:   Check out his new book here: Place at the Table: 40 Days of Solidarity with the Poor.

• The Catalytic Leadership of Paul (Ephesians)

  Eric Bryant

  26 Jan 2012 | 9:07 am

  This past fall we went through the stories and letters of Paul in chronological order with some our network leaders at Gateway. We were trying to determine the characteristics that made him so catalytic so that we might grow in this as well. Here is the order we are reading through and discussing: Week One – Acts 7-16 Week Two – Galatians Week Three – Acts 17, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians Week Four – Acts 18, 1 Corinthians Week Five – 2 Corinthians Week Six – Romans Week Seven – Acts 19-20, Ephesians Week Eight – Acts 21-28 & Colossians,…

• Deepen Webisodes from Gateway Church

  Eric Bryant

  25 Jan 2012 | 9:51 pm

  At Gateway Church, we recently introduced a series of Deepen webisodes to help those who are developing and deepening their faith. From the Gateway website: “Gateway is committed to helping everyone take their next step toward deepening our knowledge and experience of God, Jesus, and His word. With that goal we want to experiment with this webisode/podcast idea. As we gather in networks and small groups across the city with others who are serious about their faith and following Christ we hope this will facilitate a deeper conversation. Every week we’re going to post a webisode…

• Crowded House (Jan. 29th & Feb. 1st)

  Eric Bryant

  25 Jan 2012 | 7:17 am

  We have several Crowded House events coming up! A Crowded House event involves connecting more intentionally with others in your part of Austin. We share a meal, spend time in worship, discuss meaningful passages from the Scriptures, and share options for small groups and service projects. This is designed as a place to connect to the core of our church and deepen our faith. Click on any of the links below for more details: Central Families & Couples - Sunday, January 29th from 4-6pm at the Muhich’s House Manchaca & Circle C (Buda & Kyle) - Sunday, January 29th from 6-8pm…

• Character Matrix: Moving from Brokenness to Wholeness (Video & Overview)

  Eric Bryant

  24 Jan 2012 | 9:36 am

  Recently, I had the chance to share at the Gateway Church Lunch & Learn, a monthly training we have for our leaders on the third Tuesday of the month during lunchtime. These can be viewed online at live.gatewaychurch.com if you’d ever like to join us. I shared about the Character Matrix which has been one of the greatest tools to help me in my spiritual growth as well as the tool I use the most in helping others grow. Fortunately, these principles are included in Uprising: A Revolution of the Soul by Erwin McManus which I highly recommend! From the Gateway Leaders website:…

• 

  theoquest

• Don't Just Stand There

  24 Jan 2012 | 12:23 pm

  It was a huge mess. After watching their oppressors being hounded by bloody water, frogs, flies, gnats, hail, dying animals, locusts up the wazoo, darkness, festering sores all over their bodies, and the deaths of their firstborn sons... now they were free. Well, they were on the edge of the wilderness loaded down with loot, with no homes to which to return, but at least they weren’t slaves anymore, right? Then it all started to look really bad...Camped along the shore of the Red Sea, happy to be out of Egypt, the Hebrews looked out in the distance and saw the Egyptian army marching toward…

• 12 in '12 Tuesday

  24 Jan 2012 | 10:07 am

  12 in '12 is a series of posts talking about life in youth ministry with a 12 year old in the family this year.-------This weekend, Emily got to go to her first Winter White Wash. It's a ski retreat we take our Middle School and High School students to each year. This year, we skied at Snowy Range just outside Laramie, and had the main sessions at the new building of White Water Christian Church. (It's awesome to see this new church continue to develop.) Emily wasn't a huge fan of the whole skiing thing, but had fun the rest of the time. I'm tearing her away from the Republican debate to…

• Winter White Wash 2012 Day 2

  21 Jan 2012 | 9:16 pm

   What is our focus? What are the things for which we hunger and thirst?Today was Emily's first skiing experience. Conditions weren't great for first time skiing, but she gave it a go anyway. After lunch I talked her into one last run on the bigger slopes, but on the way down, there were a few places that were a little more steep than she thought she bargained for. (I may or may not have given full disclosure before I got her on the chair lift...) To keep her from taking off her skis and walking the rest of the way down, I skied backwards right in front of her and tried to keep her…

• Winter White Wash 2012

  20 Jan 2012 | 4:20 pm

   After what had to be one of the most wind blown drives I've had, we made it to Laramie for Winter White Wash. Hopefully the skiing will be good tomorrow, but even if not, the first session has been a blessing for our students.We're looking at Matthew 5:6, where Jesus said those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. What does it mean to be filled? What is it that can really offer the satisfaction humanity craves?The wind blowing the van around the road always reminds me of the Holy Spirit. You can't control it, you can't really make it do what you want it to do... You…

• 12 in '12 Tuesday - Launching

  17 Jan 2012 | 2:50 pm

  12 in '12 is a series of posts talking about life in youth ministry with a 12 year old in the family this year.Our twelve year old, Emily, has entered Middle School, which puts her into the youth category as far as our church's ministry is structured. Actually, we are pretty flexible with our 6th graders, and most of them have some involvement in both the youth ministry and children's ministry. As a first born, Emily's always thought of herself as a few years older than reality says she is, so she's been eager to get to be a part of the student group that I oversee.As her father, I probably…

• 

  Out of Ur

• Listening to Tullian Tchividjian at the Jacksonville Pastor's Conference

  26 Jan 2012 | 9:40 pm

• Ur Video: Rick McKinley on Activists

  25 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am

  Activists are really searching for meaning.

• The Religious Views of 20-Somethings, Part 3

  23 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am

  Ministry implications for reaching a generation of irreligious activists.

• 9 Reasons NOT to Plant a Church in 2012 (Part 2)

  20 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am

  11 Practices of a New Jesus Movement.

• 9 Reasons NOT to Plant a Church in 2012

  18 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am

  Why church planting may no longer be the best vehicle for evangelism.

• 

  GetReligion

• A few words (of faith) about Joe Paterno

  tmatt

  27 Jan 2012 | 5:20 pm

  One of the most poignant and complex stories in America the last few days has been the prolonged outpouring of grief at Penn State University for the legendary and, in some people’s minds fallen, football coach Joseph Paterno. The final memorial service drew 12,000 people and, naturally, it included remarks that touched on the Catholic faith of the deceased. What I can’t figure out is how much religious material made it into this event, which was part funeral and part campus rally. There is no question, however, which quote from the service was given the most ink in the national…

• Atheist student a NYT hero

  Sarah Pulliam Bailey

  27 Jan 2012 | 2:42 pm

  Court cases often provide story ideas for profiles of individuals and motivations behind church/state battles, but profiling one side can risk making everyone else look like the monster out to get the hero. For instance, it’s hard not to feel bad for Jessica Ahlquist, an outspoken atheist who successfully sued to get a prayer removed from her high school auditorium after reading the New York Times profile. After all, a state representative called her “an evil little thing,” according to the story. Here’s how Friendly Atheist Hemant Mehta promotes the piece. The New York…

• What motivated the Pentagon shooter?

  Mollie

  27 Jan 2012 | 11:27 am

  Back in June, a local man was arrested in a string of shootings at military targets. He was born in Ethiopia and was named Yonathan Melaku. There were also reports that he’d had al Qaeda materials and had shouted “Allah Akbar” (it was actually “Allahu Akbar”). Naturally, I had questions. There were details that indicated Melaku was disturbed. His name struck me as decidedly Christian, not Muslim (which commenters confirmed). But the other details sounded like signals that the acts might have a basis in Islamic terrorism. So I wondered why the media weren’t…

• Smyert Shpionam — Death to Spies

  geoconger

  26 Jan 2012 | 8:00 pm

  This will set the mood. “Balkan, Balkan,” they said in France of a pimp slapping a whore or three kids beating up a fourth — anything barbarous or brutal. — Alan Furst, Kingdom of Shadows (2000) Eleven of 15 bishops of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church currently in office were spies for the former communist regime’s Committee for State Security — the Darzhavna sigurnost or the DS — according to an inquiry carried out by the government’s Committee on Disclosure of Documents. If you had not heard this news, I would not be surprised. While this has…

• But I read it in The New York Times!

  tmatt

  26 Jan 2012 | 2:30 pm

  I know, I know. It’s an opinion piece. Nevertheless, I am very, very afraid that, at some point in the future, I am going to see people quoting the following and then adding the crucial kicker — “according to an article in The New York Times.” Here we go. If you are holding a cup of coffee, please set it aside, far from your keyboard. The headline on this essay by David S. Reynolds is blunt: “Why Evangelicals Don’t Like Mormons.” Uh. Actually, I have known some evangelicals who rather like Mormons, consider them close friends and even colleagues,…

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  Ragamuffin Soul

• The Problem With Giants

  loswhit

  27 Jan 2012 | 12:06 pm

  We have a way about us. We have a way around us. We have a way throughout us. We, in all our humanity, have figured out how to take something so small, so tiny, so non essential, and turn it into the singular thing that takes us down. It’s our greatest gift and our strongest curse. Our ability to process. Yesterday I tweeted this… Our ability as humans to make an uncrossable valley out of a crack in the sidewalk is one of a kind. Step Back. Look Again. Step Over. Walk. Today you are facing what seems like a giant. It may actually be a giant. It probably is not. But if it is a giant follow…

• The Problem With Guarding Your Heart #SinglePeople

  loswhit

  26 Jan 2012 | 12:34 pm

  I never got it. I mean all the Christian chicks were saying it and all the Christian guys hated it. Mostly because we didn’t know what the hell it meant. I remember I wanted to date this girl Stephanie SO bad. (Name has been changed to protect the ease of the make out) “Now Carlos, she wants to date you but make sure you guard her heart.” I’d always reply with…”OF COURSE!” and then figure out how to make out by hour 4 of the first date. #Guys When I would attend the Campus Crusade For Christ meetings I would hear it ALL the time. And I never knew of…

• Church Plants, Airplanes, and Bulldozers

  loswhit

  25 Jan 2012 | 2:59 pm

  Gibraltar is the only major airport where the runway actually intersects with a major highway. When a plane has to take off or land,car traffic is shut down. I feel like this is a perfect example of how sometimes, although maybe with good intentions, our churches literally plow people over in order to take off. When we start new churches and focus so hard on the business of the church, instead of the purpose of the church, we end up building airport runways across the major center of our communities and somehow feel like the people in the community wanted our new airstrip. Build INTO your…

• The Elephant Room Is Tomorrow!

  loswhit

  24 Jan 2012 | 12:37 pm

  The Elephant Room Is TOMORROW! Here is the deal. You can STILL make it to one of the satellite locations and you can find out one of the locations here! The names on this years list of conversations are Mark Driscoll, TD Jakes, Steven Furtick, and others. I PROMISE you that you will not want to miss this conversation. So yea. This is a last second yell out to the Ragamuffin Soul community to take a few hours tomorrow and see some grown men, have conversations out loud, that most people are having in private. Carlos

• How To Use Social Media For Effective And Authentic Conversation

  loswhit

  24 Jan 2012 | 8:59 am

  I don’t censor my blog comments. I just don’t. I mean if someone is being a complete @$$, I’ll let them for a moment and then shut them up. I’m not here to make friends. I’m here to have honest conversation that disturbs and disrupts people to see Christ’s face fresh again. Here are a few thoughts I have on how to use social media to have honest and authentic conversation. 1. Realize that you are not going to convince anyone of anything they don’t already believe through online banter. Correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t know of anyone who…

• 

  internetmonk.com

• Saturday Ramblings 1.28.12

  Jeff Dunn

  27 Jan 2012 | 11:03 pm

  Your Rambler is in a better mood today. Oh, the Synonymous Rambler and I have been going round and round again, and yes, it was all my fault again (I think), but otherwise it has been a better week. Spring is in the air here in Tulsa (along with mold and polen), which means baseball can’t be far behind. And with baseball on the horizon, how can I be in a bad mood? So let’s let bygones be bygones and get to rambling, shall we? Maine’s own JoanieD pointed out this interesting introduction to Process Theology. Following the rules of our monastery here, you may comment on the…

• Listening Report: Kathleen Edwards

  Chaplain Mike

  27 Jan 2012 | 1:00 pm

  Thanks to Mike Bell and our friends north of the border for sharing another great Canadian singer-songwriter with us. I’ve been enjoying Kathleen Edwards’ new album, Voyageur, lately, and thought you might like to hear some of her poignant, introspective music too. Here is the first cut from the album, “Empty Threat,” recorded at a live CBC radio performance. You can read a good review of Voyageur at Slant, where Jonathan Keefe says of the album’s moody thematic textures, it “may not be the most uplifting album, but it’s acutely self-aware and…

• Thoughts on Church Discipline and Relational Wisdom

  Chaplain Mike

  26 Jan 2012 | 11:01 pm

  I haven’t been able to get this “church discipline” discussion off my mind. First of all, thank you to all of you who have made this a vibrant and thoughtful conversation. As I said in my original post, I am agreement with most of you that the disciplinary process as described was inappropriate at best. As for Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill Church, I guarantee that stories like this are not going to win them a lot of fans. Articles like this thoughtful one, written by frequent iMonk commenter Wenatchee the Hatchet (who left MHC a few years ago), suggest that practices of church…

• Right Hand and Left Hand: Meeting both Material and Spiritual Needs

  Martha of Ireland

  26 Jan 2012 | 2:48 pm

  This is the last of a three-part series Martha began this morning looking at the relationship between justice and charity and mercy, and how our actions in these ways affect our salvation. So far she has been challenging and encouraging as only Martha can be. Let’s read together and see how she concludes this topic. And so finally we get near to approaching a point.  Up to now, I’ve talked about the corporal works of mercy, but the spiritual works are equally important. It’s a balance, and you can’t have one without the other.  Right hand and left hand, or two eyes, or two…

• Quotes From The Fathers On Mercy That Might Enlighten—Or Offend—You

  Martha of Ireland

  26 Jan 2012 | 11:00 am

  This is part two of a three part essay from Martha of Ireland exploring how love, justice and mercy all tie in to our salvation. Let’s take a look at what some Church Fathers had to say on the topic, and if we remember that justice, as well as charity, is also the foundation of mercy, perhaps we will not be so shocked by any appearances of proto-Communism, crypto-Socialism, or being less than fervent Free Market Capitalists on their parts. (As quoted by Thomas Aquinas in the Summa): Hence Basil says [Hom. super Luc. xii, 18]: “If you acknowledge them,” viz. your temporal goods, “as…

• 

  Tall Skinny Kiwi

• Tall skinny elves at The Hobbit casting call

  Andrew

  28 Jan 2012 | 12:10 am

  I took my tallest kids over to Lower Hutt today for The Hobbit casting call. Filming starts next month for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and they were looking for extras: the short, the tall, the skinny, men with big biceps [not me} and those with 'character faces'. Unfortunately, 3000 people turned up and they could only handle 800. The rest of us were turned away but told we could apply online. The Herald said they were "overwhelmed" but it should have been a surprise. We all want to be in the movie! Bummer! My kids and I would have made great elves. I am 1.96cm (6'5'') and my son,…

• Sweet Voice Amber Hunter

  Andrew

  27 Jan 2012 | 1:18 pm

  Amber Hunter has been giving songs away online for years but now is creating her first CD. She led worship at our roundtable gathering at Cornerstone Festival last year and we really loved having her there. She has a story to tell. Watch the video and if you want to help out, visit her project at Kickstarter.

• What if church could be more like summer camp?

  Andrew

  26 Jan 2012 | 3:04 pm

  Camps are cool. My youngest kids went to Christian camps last week. TJ (9) went to El Rancho and Hannah (14) went to Lakeview Bible Camp with some Gospel Chapel people from Foxton. They had a great time. They came home with huge smiles and heads full of memories. I also have very fond memories of New Zealand camps when I was younger. Camps are where you can hang out late at night, dress badly, discover yourself, fight the giggles at 2 in the morning, watch the uninhibited speaker embarrass himself publicly, eat poorly cooked food, get up surprisingly early to pray, create and perform silly…

• Top 15 Ways Pastors Get Rich

  Andrew

  24 Jan 2012 | 10:48 pm

  Ever been ripped off by a pastor? It's embarrassing. In San Francisco many years ago, my wife and I were relieved of our wedding rings at a Pentecostal meeting. The mega-church preacher had flown in "unexpectantly" from Argentina to host this spontaneous meeting for us pastors and leaders. I don't remember if I handed over my ring before or after he put his hand on my head and knocked me backwards since it was all a little cloudy that night, and still is, actually, but I do remember wondering how the pastor was going to get all that jewelry through customs. And what he would do with the money…

• The Bourne Ecclesiology

  Andrew

  20 Jan 2012 | 7:44 pm

  Can't wait for the next movie in the Bourne series. Here's a suggestion.

• 

  Dan Kimball: Vintage Faith

• Wednesday Weird Bible Verse - Judges 3:20-22 - blade, belly-fat and bowels

  DanKimball

  25 Jan 2012 | 2:02 am

  "Ehud then approached him...and said, “I have a message from God for you.” As the king rose from his seat, Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh and plunged it into the king’s belly....

• Google+ and Facebook

  DanKimball

  19 Jan 2012 | 7:57 pm

  for those going on Google+ and want to connect there http://www.gplus.to/dankimball It seems that more activity is happening on Google+ lately. I am still not sure how to be working with both Google+ and Facebook. It will be interesting to...

• Wednesday Weird Bible Verse - Judges 16:17 - shave your head and become weak

  DanKimball

  18 Jan 2012 | 4:26 am

  "If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man.” - Judges 16:17

• Wednesday Weird Bible Verse - 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 - women be silent

  DanKimball

  3 Jan 2012 | 2:45 pm

  "Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is...

• Wednesday-Weird-Bible-Verse - Deuteronomy 7:2 - Show them no mercy

  DanKimball

  28 Dec 2011 | 4:49 am

  Deuteronomy 7:2 - "and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must destroy them totally. Make no treaty with them, and show them no mercy." * Two great book...

• 

  AlbertMohler.com – Blog

• “Abortion is as American as Apple Pie” — The Culture of Death Finds a Voice

  Albert Mohler

  20 Jan 2012 | 1:22 am

  Abortion is now one of America’s most common surgical procedures performed on adults. As many as one out of three women will have at least one abortion. In some American neighborhoods, the number of abortions far exceeds the number of live births. Most Americans will pay little attention to the 39th anniversary of the infamous Roe v. Wade decision. In 1973, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that a woman has a constitutional right to arrange the killing of the unborn life within her. Since that decision was handed down, more than 50 million babies have been aborted, at a rate…

• The Chicken of the Sea: A Modern Tale of Fear, Failure, and Cowardice

  Albert Mohler

  19 Jan 2012 | 2:24 am

  The sight of the giant cruise ship Costa Concordia listing in the deadly embrace of the sea is now a graphic symbol of failure. Its timing is absolutely eerie, coming so close to the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. But, unlike the Titanic, this disaster did not take place in the middle of the ocean, far from the range of observation. The Costa Concordia appears to be almost touching the rocky Italian coastline. The digital revolution ensures that we are all able to see the wreck of the ship in living color. Keep Reading

• The Supreme Court Speaks: A Major Victory for Religious Liberty

  Albert Mohler

  12 Jan 2012 | 2:30 am

  On Wednesday, the Supreme Court of the United States handed down one of the most important decisions on religious liberty in recent decades. For the first time, the Court held that there is indeed a ministerial exemption that allows churches and religious organizations to discriminate in ways that other employers cannot. The Court’s decision was unanimous, and the affirmation of religious liberty and the right of churches to hire religious teachers without state interference is fundamentally important. Keep Reading

• Learning from Christopher Hitchens: Lessons Evangelicals Must Not Miss

  Albert Mohler

  11 Jan 2012 | 3:10 am

  The death of Christopher Hitchens on December 15 was not unexpected, and that seemed only to add to the tragedy.  His fight against cancer had been lived, like almost every other aspect of his colorful life, in full public view. He had told numerous interviewers that he wanted to die in an active, not a passive sense. Then again, there may never have been a truly passive moment in Christopher Hitchens’ life. Long before he was known as one of the world’s most ardent atheists, he was known as a world-class essayist and a hard-driving public intellectual. Born in England, he had…

• What Breathes Fire into the Equations? Professor Stephen Hawking at 70

  Albert Mohler

  9 Jan 2012 | 1:28 am

  Stephen Hawking celebrated his 70th birthday yesterday, though he was not able to attend the symposium held in Cambridge in his honor. Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, vice-chancellor of Cambridge University, made the announcement that Hawking, the guest of honor, would not be present. Keep Reading

• 

  WithoutWax.tv by Pete Wilson

• Things That Shine

  Pete Wilson

  27 Jan 2012 | 7:58 am

  I got a phone call on Wednesday that blew me away. A guy called me to apologize for something he had publicly written about me over two years ago. As he apologized I played it off as if I had totally forgotten about what he had said. But in my moments of doubt and insecurity the words he wrote about me would come flooding into my mind. I could see them as clearly as if I was holding them on a piece of paper in front of me, because in many ways that had been etched into my mind. The conversation I had with him was incredibly healing, but it got me thinking. Criticism happens, right? I…

• Perks

  Pete Wilson

  26 Jan 2012 | 7:58 am

  Time Magazine had a great article about employee perks at some of the top companies around the country. For instance, at Mattel, the World’s largest toy maker helps its employees find their inner child by shutting its offices at 1 p.m. every Friday. Microsoft offers their software engineers an organic spa for letting off steam. If you work at Factset, a financial research firm, you get free lunches, but there’s also an onsite Pie Truck, Chinese Truck, and Cupcake Truck. Autodesk, a Mill Valley, California company, allows its employees to take a six week paid sabbatical every four years…

• Breaking The Silence

  Pete Wilson

  25 Jan 2012 | 7:46 am

  I believe sometimes you have to forgive someone, not for their sake, but for your freedom. This past weekend my friend and neighbor, Will, did one of the bravest things I’ve ever seen. He shared with us his story of sexual abuse and how it led to a double life. I know, statistically, there are hundreds of you who read this blog who have been a victim of a similar devastating and painful act. I have no right to tell you what you should do or how you should handle it, but I’m praying if there’s hidden pain in your life that you can find a safe person to confess that hurt and…

• Voices In My Head

  Pete Wilson

  24 Jan 2012 | 7:17 am

  Like everyone else I go through seasons where I doubt myself and my effectiveness. When you have a public ministry you constantly have people in your ear saying things like… I wish you preached more like this… I wish you counseled like this…. I wish you led like…. I wish you interacted like this… I wish you spent your time like this… It’s easy to start to doubt and wonder if you should be more this or that.  Last week I spent some time with some crazy gifted friends and as I watched them do their thing it made me doubt even further. I spent an…

• Poisonous Root

  Pete Wilson

  23 Jan 2012 | 8:01 am

  Hebrews 12:15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. You may be justified in your bitterness, but it still contaminates everything. You may have every right to not forgive certain people in your life. But you need to know bitterness contaminates everything. It spreads far and wide and deep. And maybe the most dangerous and destructive thing about bitterness is that it doesn’t remain isolated to the source of bitterness, but spreads to all of your relationships. Left…

• 

  22 Words

• Lizard in a shark suit

  Abraham Piper

  27 Jan 2012 | 5:00 pm

  (via Bunny Food)

• And the winner for Best Super Bowl Commercial is…

  Abraham Piper

  27 Jan 2012 | 3:45 pm

  …this simple, creative ad from FirstBank. (via Meme Machine)

• Desert rivers look like artistically line-drawn trees

  Abraham Piper

  27 Jan 2012 | 2:30 pm

  Water flowing into the desert in the Mexican state of Baja California… (via National Geographic, The High Definite)

• Metaphorically spoiled milk

  Abraham Piper

  27 Jan 2012 | 1:15 pm

  From Gemma Correll…

• “Screw it. Let’s just get married.” — Planning a cool wedding

  Abraham Piper

  27 Jan 2012 | 12:00 pm

  In this bit from Portlandia, Spike and Iris meet with a wedding planner… (via Rats Off)

• 

  Eugene Cho

• defend, rescue, and fight for the weak – and do it dignity

  Eugene Cho

  17 Jan 2012 | 2:01 am

  I’m sorry if this post depresses, discourages, or disturbs you. It’s not my intent but a reminder of the arduous work ahead for all of us. It’s the day after… The day after this nation (and many in the global community) celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We march, share inspiring quotes, and listen to compelling speeches. It’s a feel good day. But today is the day after – and the awareness of reality. A reality of certainly a better world from the days of Rosa Park and Dr. King but a reminder of  the long road ahead. Oh,we have a…

• celebrating martin luther king, jr…and acknowledging the Giver of such dreams…

  Eugene Cho

  16 Jan 2012 | 2:01 am

  Martin Luther King Jr. was an extraordinary person.  Not perfect but nevertheless, extraordinary.  While we remember his legacy again on this day…let’s not make the mistake of forgetting the God behind this extraordinary man. It’s way too easy to talk about MLK because so many people and groups of people want to own him as their own.  But they often don’t want to take or acknowledge all of him.  At the core of his life, Martin Luther King Jr. was a follower of Jesus Christ. His faith in Christ informed all that he sought to do as a civil rights leader. And that…

• born blind. full hearts. beautiful voice. dream big.

  Eugene Cho

  12 Jan 2012 | 2:01 am

  Wait! Before you decide not to click or read this blog entry because I’m talking about Korean Pop (K-Pop), I want you to do yourself a favor and read this. Actually, see this and more importantly, hear this song. I know. I know. You’re not K-Pop fans nor fans of ballads. I’m not either.  Heck, I don’t even know what’s popular in the States. I’ve never even seen an episode of American Idol or X Factor or The Voice or whatever else it’s called now. But couple days ago, I was working and stumbled onto YouTube and saw an episode of K-Pop Star –…

• “my name isn’t lady chinky eyes”

  Eugene Cho

  9 Jan 2012 | 2:01 am

  Did you see this? Probably not  because who cares about receipts from fast foot joints like Papa John’s? But if you look carefully, you’ll notice that an employee tried to be “funny” and wrote in “lady chinky eyes” to identify the Asian customer. Here’s 6 things you should know: 1. Umm, don’t hate. My slanted eyes are beautiful. 2. The customer’s name was 24-year-old Minhee Cho – the exact same name as my wife. Some of you asked and emailed me. Unless my wife has a private jet, she was not in New York this past weekend. She was…

• my review of mark driscoll’s book ‘real marriage’

  Eugene Cho

  6 Jan 2012 | 2:01 am

  . Tagged: mark driscoll, real marriage

• 

  Quieted Waters

• A Review of The 11 Laws of Likability by Michelle Tillis Lederman

  Lake

  26 Jan 2012 | 12:01 am

  Michelle Tillis Lederman, the author of The 11 Laws of Likability, is the founder of Executive Essentials, a company that provides executive coaching among other services. Lederman writes this book out of a stunning realization she had — wanting to be liked is a good thing. In fact, Lederman argues that networking is nothing more than being your authentic, likable self. One of the strongest chapters in this book focused on likability in conversation, and it dealt with details like body language, curiosity, and open-ended questions. I particularly like Lederman’s suggestion that we…

• Bad Habits Are Not Sin

  Lake

  23 Jan 2012 | 12:01 am

  Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church – Ephesians 5:25-29, ESV Last week, I confessed that I am far too…

• A Review of What Every Man Wishes His Father Had Told Him by Byron Yawn

  Lake

  19 Jan 2012 | 12:01 am

  In contrast to the unusually long title, the chapters in What Every Man Wishes His Father Had Told Him are concise and powerful, each providing a theological and seasoned illustration of biblical manhood. The chapters are the outgrowth of Byron’s experiences as a young man, his years of fatherhood, and his role as a leader of men as pastor of a Nashville church. Byron’s wisdom shines forth most wonderfully in his chapters on confidence and sex. In the latter instance, Byron speaks powerfully into a Christian culture that alternatively demonizes sex and obsesses over it. His words…

• I Am Not An Optometrist

  Lake

  16 Jan 2012 | 12:01 am

  Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, “Let me take the speck out of your eye,” when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. – Matthew 7:3-5, ESV Marriage has taught me many things I thought I already knew. It has shown me that I am sinful. It has taught me that I am very selfish. I have learned how blessed it is to marry a wonderful wife.

• A Review of A Marriage Carol

  Lake

  12 Jan 2012 | 12:01 am

  “His name is Jacob. And I’m Marlee Ebenezer.” With overt similarities to the classic Christmas carol, A Marriage Carol paints a picture of a failing marriage and one woman’s lesson in what it takes for a marriage to survive. Marlee and her husband begin the story on their way to the divorce lawyer, on Christmas eve, on their twentieth anniversary, before unexpected circumstances get in the way. While the book isn’t written primarily to Christians, the authors’ faiths comes through in their characters; but the larger message is about marital relationships,…

• 

  Kary Oberbrunner

• Stepping back to move forward

  Kary Oberbrunner

  24 Jan 2012 | 9:09 pm

  Gabrielle Giffords. Lately, I’ve been immersing myself in her life and the life of her husband – Mark Kelly. Not for her public policies or her stance on issues. For something deeper, for her courage. And her courage does what all courage does – it inspires others. She stepped down this week, but she hasn’t given up her dream. Sometimes we have to step back in order to move forward.  But you can only do this if you know what you want and if you know where you want to go. Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. -Soren Kierkegaard  …

• Don’t Play Small

  Kary Oberbrunner

  12 Jan 2012 | 7:17 pm

  This week I wanted to include a couple videos that have inspired me lately. Here’s to your legacy. Don’t Play Small. Click here to view the embedded video.

• Come be the fire inside of me

  Kary Oberbrunner

  10 Jan 2012 | 8:33 am

  This week, I’m going to be posting a few videos that inspire me. Here’s the first one. I hope it encourages you. Click here to view the embedded video.  

• Let’s do breakfast on Wednesday and grow as leaders together

  Kary Oberbrunner

  8 Jan 2012 | 4:54 pm

  Live in or near Columbus, OH? Let’s do breakfast this Wednesday. Details here or below. Join TechColumbus for our continuing Business Breakfast Series: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow them and people will follow you. Everything rises and falls on leadership: your team, your job, your kids, your marriage, your charity, and even your community. Leadership can be learned and like most subjects in life – leadership is comprised and governed by laws. Even if you’re ignorant of these laws, you’re not immune from them. They’re affecting you right now.

• The #1 secret for building your business in 2012

  Kary Oberbrunner

  31 Dec 2011 | 1:57 pm

  Want it? You got it. In order to build their business most people make the mistake of putting their attention on building their business. This will only produce minimal results.  The #1 secret for building your business is BUILDING YOURSELF.  Your business will never outperform your abilities. You are the lid on your business and your results. And in order to raise your lid you need to get better. Need help on that? Let’s talk. Don’t be a victim and wait for luck to smile upon you. Take action and the smile will come.

• 

  Ligonier Ministries Blog

• Forty Days of Mourning

  R.C. Sproul Jr.

  28 Jan 2012 | 1:00 am

  My deepest gratitude to all of you who have walked with me through my grief. Your prayers and encouragement have buoyed me up in the long and dark hours. It is possible that the below will be my last piece committed to this difficult journey. Rest assured, however, that the deep wound will not fully heal on this side of glory, and even then my scar, like His, and yours, will beautify eternity. Because we are modernists and Gnostics we love to pretend that symbols and rituals have no meaning, that all that matters is what is in our hearts. Because we are humans, and image bearers, we find we…

• Could Jesus Have Sinned?

  R.C. Sproul

  27 Jan 2012 | 1:00 am

  The best theologians, past and present, have been divided on the question of whether Jesus could have sinned. I believe that since Jesus was fully human, it was possible for him to sin. Obviously, the divine nature cannot sin. But if Christ's divine nature prevented him from sinning, in what sense did he obey the law of God as the second Adam? At his birth, Jesus' human nature was exactly the same as Adam's before the fall, with respect to his moral capabilities. Jesus had what Augustine called the posse peccare and the posse non peccare, that is, the ability to sin and the ability not to…

• $5 Friday: Abortion, Islam, & Calvinism

  Nathan W. Bingham

  27 Jan 2012 | 12:45 am

  This week you'll find $5 Friday resources on Islam, ethics, providence, abortion, masculinity, the cross, and Calvinism. Sale runs from 8 a.m. Friday through 8 a.m. Saturday EST. View today's $5 Friday sale items.

• One or Two?

  Nathan W. Bingham

  26 Jan 2012 | 1:00 am

  An ideology is taking over the West that is both very spiritual and self-consciously anti-Christian. It intends, ever so subtly, without ever saying so explicitly, to grind the gospel into the dustbin of history. The 1960s was an incredibly formative decade. In 1962, Mircea Eliade, the world expert on comparative religions, observed: "Western thought [he meant Christendom] can no longer maintain itself in this splendid isolation from a confrontation with the 'unknown,' the 'outsiders.'" As if on cue, the "Fab Four" met the Maharishi and introduced the "wisdom of the East" to popular Western…

• Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) — Summer 2012

  Keith Mathison

  25 Jan 2012 | 11:37 am

  The Doctor of Ministry (D. Min.) degree program emphasizes the application of theology and the means of grace to ministry. This program is for men who desire a deep knowledge of and greater competence in the practice of ministry and consists of eight required courses and a major written project. Each course is a one-week module focusing on a topic in theology or the practice of ministry. Summer 2012 This coming July, Dr. Robert Letham, author of a new book on the doctrine of union with Christ and author of an award winning textbook on the doctrine of the Trinity, will be joining us to teach…

• 

  Geoffrey Janes

• Car Exchange

  18 Jan 2012 | 9:13 am

  A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that Nancy had been in an accident with the van. Everyone's fine - just wanted to update you on the situation.The accident happened on a Wednesday evening. It would be Friday before we could get a copy of the police report, and several more days before the insurance company would even take a look at the damage on the van. From everything we can tell, the other driver was at fault, so we were at the mercy of their insurance agent. Finally, on Wednesday (a week later), a tow truck showed up to take the van to a body shop.Meanwhile, my good friend David (who…

• Endure vs. Enjoy

  5 Jan 2012 | 6:38 am

  We've settled into somewhat of a routine. We have night nursing (approved through the end of this month) from 11pm until 7am. Since I'm the early riser in our house, I go to bed around 10 so I can be up early enough to have my quiet time in the morning before anyone else gets up. I walk Kelsey to the bus stop at 6:30, then take over when the nurse leaves at 7. Nancy stays up until 11pm when the nurse gets there. She helps Kelsey get up and ready for school, then lays down for another hour or so. It's working.There are so many things we'd change right now if we could. That's the case for all…

• Spreading Christmas Joy

  27 Dec 2011 | 7:22 am

  It's been busy around here - Christmas Eve services at church, Christmas morning pancake outreach to the community, plus getting all the family Christmas surprises in order. Now that things have settled down a little I have time to update you.Garren continues to progress with his walking. He is getting stronger, Race To Walk has really been good for him. His muscles are getting bigger, and he is gaining all kinds of weight (all muscle). He's getting used to his new manual wheelchair. The frame is yellow, and the straps and padding are black...perfect for the Steeler fan that he is! He has…

• Let's Try This...

  12 Dec 2011 | 2:30 pm

  We took Garren for a follow up visit to the EENT this past Tuesday. Using a scope to watch the inside of Garren's throat, he concluded that he doesn't see any change in Garren's swallow since the last time he saw us about 3 months ago. Needless to say, that was discouraging to hear.He went on to inform us that Garren's current speech therapist recommends that we discontinue therapy for swallowing, because she isn't seeing any improvement either.I asked about next steps. What else can we do? Who else can we talk to? Is there anything else we can try? It's as though they know (or think they…

• Yet I Will Rejoice

  9 Dec 2011 | 10:16 am

  I' finishing up my one year journey through the Bible. I was reading in Habakkuk 3 this week. This verse stood out to me:"Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places." (Habakkuk 3:18, 19 ESV)To really get what he is saying, it helps to go back and read verse 17:"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail, and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herds in the…

• 

  Good News Magazine

• Kingdom of God Bible Seminars

  6 Jan 2012 | 12:39 pm

  Register for the Kingdom of God Seminar (January 21, 2012) in your area.

• Good News Magazine Issues

  6 Jan 2012 | 12:38 pm

  Read the latest Good News issue and view past issues.

• The Koran and Conquest: A Look at Islamic Theology

  6 Jan 2012 | 12:37 pm

  Why do we hear of so much terrorism originating in the Muslim world? Will an examination of Islam's history and its holy book, the Koran, help us to understand?

• Why Is Israel the Focus of Muslim Hostility?

  6 Jan 2012 | 12:37 pm

  At the heart of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is ongoing hatred among Muslim nations toward Israel and the Jewish people. What are the underlying causes?

• Europe's Woes: Setting the Stage for Bible Prophecy?

  6 Jan 2012 | 12:36 pm

  With the European sovereign debt crisis, the elites' dream of economic integration is in real jeopardy. Will a split come soon? What does the Bible reveal about Europe's future?

• 

  TimothyArcher.com/Kitchen

• Repost: Great Songs of Me and Honest Hymns

  Tim Archer

  27 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

  A few years ago, for a sermon, I came up with a list of hymns for the egotist. Here are some of the ones I thought of: How Great I Art Now I Lift My Name on High I Exalt Me I Need Me Every Hour I Love Me Lord Just As I Want Just a Little Talk With Myself O, To Be Like Me Praise Me! Praise Me! There is None Like Me Let Me Have My Way With Me Have Mine Own Way This of course plays off of an old list of “honest songs” that has made it around the Internet: A Comfy Mattress Is Our God Above Average is Thy Faithfulness All Hail the Influence of Jesus’ Name Amazing Grace, How…

• Singing: My personal history

  Tim Archer

  26 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

  I grew up with a cappella singing. At some point in my youth, I became aware that “we didn’t” and “they did,” and I became quite proud of that fact. I’ve planted a cappella churches, though one of the groups went through serious debate on the matter. In my work, I work with some who have strong feelings against the use of instruments and others who feel it’s not a salvation issue. I worship at a church that uses no instruments and has no intentions of doing so soon. I have no desire to be part of a church that uses instruments. I grew up preferring a…

• Scripture and our druthers

  Tim Archer

  25 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

  There’s a saying I’ve heard attributed to Dr. Jack Lewis. He was speaking about an individual in the church and said something to the effect of: “He has a hard time differentiating between what the Bible says and his personal preferences.” I don’t know the original context or even the reliability of the attribution, but I’d say that statement sums up a lot of the discussion on church music. If we want to clap while singing, we can find scriptural support. If we like the way we feel when singing with instruments, we can find biblical evidence as to why they…

• Singing: All or nothing?

  Tim Archer

  24 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

  Wow! If you haven’t read yesterday’s post, don’t bother. Just skip down to the comments section. Some brilliant insights there, plus a sharing of experiences from different viewpoints. I realize that I’ve embraced the tar baby. I’ve jumped into this with a few things in mind and am now seeing so many more issues that need to be addressed. Some would organize and plan out where they’re going from here; I’ll just keep writing and see where we end up. One concept that came out in yesterday’s comments was the difference between performance-oriented…

• Singing through the worship wrangling

  Tim Archer

  23 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

  One of the silliest phrases that came into vogue the last few decades was the term “worship wars.” There have been people at times in history who have been killed for choosing to worship a certain way. Those are worship wars. Ours have been worship wrangling, at best. In our fellowship, one of the key areas of struggle has been over instruments. That is, can we use them. A number of congregations have chosen to add instruments to their singing. From my limited observation, I see a funny thing happening. What was brought in as a “tasteful accompaniment” tends to become…

• 

  Godvertiser.com

• How a Perfectly Timed Press Release Can Bring Tons of Exposure To Your Non-Profit Campaign

  Kenny Jahng

  23 Jan 2012 | 9:00 am

  Here’s an excerpt from a press release I sent out today for a project I’m working on right now — The Adoption Journey Project (www.adoptionjourney.org) There’s two factors of this example I’d like to highlight.  But first, here’s the content about the campaign first: This year’s football fans gathering at various watch parties will have access to one Super Bowl coach’s personal thoughts during halftime. A free downloadable video kit is available to local game watching party organizers which features Super Bowl winning coach Tony Dungy and his wife…

• First Time Visitor Gift Bag Ideas

  Kenny Jahng

  10 Jan 2012 | 9:11 pm

  Your church marketing worked. New people that have never been to your church before walk through the doors.  So what do you do?   Do you accost them and demand they fill out the “visitor card” so you can stalk them or nag them like a telemarketer?  Do you have a committee that instantly has a dozen people “friend” them on Facebook out of the blue?  Do you ask them to stand-up in front of everyone during service and make them stand out literally like a sore thumb with the intention of making them feel “welcome”? One tactic that is widespread is the first…

• Finding More, Raising More, Sustaining More: Part 3

  Kenny Jahng

  8 Jan 2012 | 4:55 am

  This is the third in a series of guest posts by Howard Freeman – Founder and Principal of Zoey Creative Development, a charitable giving consultancy in NYC serving both organizations and also individual philanthropists. He is also the author of the upcoming book on online giving called, ‘Making A Difference 2.0’ (Skyhorse Publishing, May 2012) and can be reached at howard@zoeycreativedevelopment.com   GARDENING IS ACTUALLY THE WORLD’S OLDEST PROFESSION During the last two segments, we’ve looked at finding more money and raising more money. This week, we look at tending to what…

• Finding More, Raising More, Sustaining More [Part 2]

  Kenny Jahng

  1 Jan 2012 | 12:06 pm

  This is the second in a series of guest posts by Howard Freeman – Founder and Principal of Zoey Creative Development, a charitable giving consultancy in NYC serving both organizations and also individual philanthropists. He is also the author of the upcoming book on online giving called, ‘Making A Difference 2.0’ (Skyhorse Publishing, May 2012) and can be reached at howard@zoeycreativedevelopment.com   GIVE TO GET Last time we looked at how to find more money. Christian organizations should avail themselves of select professional tools like prospect research, because fundraising…

• Christmas is Virtually Here

  Kenny Jahng

  21 Dec 2011 | 9:22 am

  We’re in the 11th hour before Christmas Eve services here at Liquid Church and our Church Online team is totally pumped about our first ever Christmas Virtual Choir that we’re pulling together. What started as an interesting idea to allow our Church Online community to participate in our church-wide services, has become a great tool to talk about Christmas at church — and invite family and friends to one of the 6 services being held on Saturday at our campuses as well as 2 services for Church Online. Since there is some novelty in a webcam- or “YouTube Christmas…

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  Orange County Pastor

• Sweet Note From My 6 Year Old Daughter to God

  22 Jan 2012 | 10:49 pm

• Read the Words of Jesus 4x in 2012

  19 Jan 2012 | 1:15 am

  I came across a great service that emails you a chapter a day from the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)and allows you to read through the entire words of Jesus 4 complete times in 2012.You can even pick what Bible version you want to use!Interested to join me?  Go here to sign up

• A Truth that Sets Me Free

  9 Jan 2012 | 12:50 am

  i Attended a great class at Calvary today taught by my friends Steve and Kathy Weems on World Missions ("Perspectives"). Check out info on the class here or better yet, if you live in Orange County, join us next Sunday...  During the course of the class Steve asked me to read out loud the following verse.  I almost couldn't finish it without openly crying as the truth of this wonderful passage hit me to the core.  We are free from sin and death because...13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is…

• Video of John 12:20-26 Sermon from Calvary

  4 Jan 2012 | 6:44 pm

  Missed Church last Sunday?  Not to worry, here is video of my message at Calvary Church from New Years Day called, "Following Jesus in 2012."New Year's One Service from Calvary Arts & Media on Vimeo.

• Great Preaching Discussion with MacArthur, Swindoll, Laurie and McDonald

  1 Jan 2012 | 5:22 pm

  This post is directly for Pastor's.  I love the discussion and insight Swindoll and other's give in this link below.Go here to watch.

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  A Better Woman

• Hello world!

  mamabebe

  28 Jan 2012 | 1:40 am

  Welcome to Creative Blogs. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!

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  Trinity Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Novato, Marin County » Podcast Feed

• The Word of the LORD Came to Jonah

  Pastor Reid Hankins

  22 Jan 2012 | 4:02 pm

  Sermon preached on Jonah 1:1-3 by Rev. W. Reid Hankins during the Morning Service at Trinity Presbyterian Church (OPC) on 1/22/2012 in Novato, CA. Rev. W. Reid Hankins, M.Div. Jonah 1:1-3 1/22/11 “Word of the LORD Came to Jonah” This morning we begin a short sermon series through Jonah. Today’s message will be a little [...]

• Redemption Applied – Adoption

  Pastor Reid Hankins

  22 Jan 2012 | 3:55 pm

  Adult Sunday School class led by Rev. W. Reid Hankins at Trinity Presbyterian Church (OPC) on 1/22/2012 in Novato, CA. This week we continued a series going through the book Redemption Accomplished and Applied by OPC Minister and Professor John Murray. This week we completed considering Part II, Chapter 6, on Adoption.

• Do Not Overwork to be Rich

  Pastor Reid Hankins

  15 Jan 2012 | 3:47 pm

  Sermon preached on Proverbs 22:22-23:11 by Rev. W. Reid Hankins during the Morning Service at Trinity Presbyterian Church (OPC) on 1/15/2012 in Novato, CA. Rev. W. Reid Hankins, M.Div. Proverbs 22:22-23:11 1/15/12 “Do Not Overwork to be Rich” Americans know how to work hard. This can be one of our greatest strengths. Americans also know [...]

• Redemption Applied – Justification, Part II

  Pastor Reid Hankins

  15 Jan 2012 | 3:43 pm

  Adult Sunday School class led by Rev. W. Reid Hankins at Trinity Presbyterian Church (OPC) on 1/15/2012 in Novato, CA. This week we continued a series going through the book Redemption Accomplished and Applied by OPC Minister and Professor John Murray. This week we completed considering Part II, Chapter 4, on Justification.

• Blessed is the Man

  Pastor Reid Hankins

  8 Jan 2012 | 5:33 pm

  Sermon preached on Psalm 1 by Rev. W. Reid Hankins during the Morning Service at Trinity Presbyterian Church (OPC) on 1/8/2012 in Novato, CA. Rev. W. Reid Hankins, M.Div. Psalm 1 1/8/12 “Blessed is the Man” Here we have Psalm 1. A psalm that serves as the entrance into the entire Psalter. A psalm long [...]

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  Vision Baptist Church

• Vision Night 2012

  jasonrishel

  27 Jan 2012 | 10:38 pm

  Sunday night will be one of the biggest nights of the entire year for our Church and you do not want to miss it: Vision Night 2012! During this exciting night, Pastor will lay out his vision for our Church, our community, and our World for the coming year.  He will share his heart with us as he reveals his dreams and ambitions.  With the Fulton county church plant preparing to go into full swing, there will be some exciting and challenging things talked about.  Future renovations plans will be shared, as well as the progress on the Nehemiah Initiative.  New ministry plans will be…

• Sunday School Spotlight: Single Focus

  jasonrishel

  26 Jan 2012 | 9:38 am

  Every Sunday at our church at 9:30, you’ll find people gathering together into small groups.  If you don’t know what is going on, it might look kind of strange.  You might even think, “the people in this church take the clique idea to a whole new level.”  But the truth is, you walked in on the Sunday school hour at our church.  And we want to invite you to join us! Regardless of your age, marital status, or situation, we have a class that would fit you perfectly!  It would be a great time of fellowship and Bible study for you and your entire family!  Over the next few weeks,…

• Service Update: Ye say, We see

  jasonrishel

  23 Jan 2012 | 10:24 pm

  God has truly blessed Vision Baptist Church with a great pastor who loves the Lord and has a great understanding of His Word.  Pastor shared that understanding with us Sunday morning as he finished up John chapter 9.  At the end of the chapter, we find people who are beyond help.  They thought that they are good, righteous people.  But Jesus tells that because they think that they are good enough and have sight, they are really the ones who are blind.  The poor blind man realized he was hopeless and needed a savior.  So when Jesus found him (It is always Jesus who finds us), it was easy…

• The Big 3–January 22, 2012

  tspaver

  21 Jan 2012 | 11:55 pm

• From the Desk of Pastor Trent: The Gospel Tract

  jasonrishel

  19 Jan 2012 | 9:07 am

  The Gospel Tract I know that this is an odd subject to write about. Not that the Gospel would be odd for me to talk about but the fact I am talking about a piece of paper on a blog. I have always been intrigued by the Gospel tract. In the small church I grew up attending we had a rack of tracts called Chick Tracts. I am certain of two things about my childhood. I watched every episode of Saved by the Bell and I read every tract Chick Publications put out. I would read the tracts when I considered the happenings in the front of the room to not be entertaining enough to merit my attention. I…

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  LifeVesting

• Dawn at the Museum

  Andy Wood

  27 Jan 2012 | 11:00 am

  Have you ever woken up first thing in the morning and realized you were in a museum? And you were what was on display? You may not have recognized the location at first because everything seemed so real.  You were traveling through one mental display after another of your past life. Names. Faces. Feelings. Friends. Sometimes the scenes are wistful and happy reminders of people and days gone by.  Sometimes you’re reliving the glory days.  But sometimes it plays out more like a horror movie or a disaster cleanup.  It’s ugly – and you’re the reason. It may be a new day on the…

• Dear Texas Department of Transportation

  Andy Wood

  25 Jan 2012 | 8:56 am

  Thanks for spending the money and manpower to tell us, not once but three times, what we already knew from the rattling and bouncing of our vehicles. Is it too much to ask you to actually solve the problem? I guess if you can’t amaze us with the outcomes, you can always astound us with the obvious. Hmmm. If fixing roads doesn’t work out for you, maybe you should consider a career in journalism.  It’s a similar skillset. Or maybe politics. Then the three signs would read: Rough Road, Vote for me. Rough Road, Not my fault. Smooth Road Ahead.     If You Enjoyed This, You…

• 20 Suggestions for Flawless Academic Writing (APA Version)

  Andy Wood

  23 Jan 2012 | 12:36 am

  Tucked away in dozens of archived folders on my computer are literally thousands of works of art or horror stories – all in the form of academic papers.  I have been blessed to teach some of the most extraordinary researchers and writers on the planet.  I have also had that fingernails-on-the-chalkboard experience of reading some really bad stuff.  I thought I would go off the reservation a little today to share with you what I have learned from the best of the best and the worst of the worst. Regardless of whether you are just starting to college or about to graduate with an advanced…

• Deep In My Heart

  Andy Wood

  20 Jan 2012 | 8:09 am

  Way past the appearances and impressions we try to leave, Behind the masks and attempts to please the critical and excite the vain - Beyond the insiders’ lingo and bless-to-impress, There rests a true heart. Your heart.  My heart. Authentic, insofar as we can know it without being deceived by it. Wiser, it seems, than we often give it credit for being. More terrified at times than we would ever let on. More prayerful than we often realize… More ruthlessly demanding that we care to admit in polite company. Gloriously free from what we used to be – yet humbly aware of how far we have to…

• The Courage-Giving Leader

  Andy Wood

  18 Jan 2012 | 7:15 am

  Quick Question:  What do the people you lead (and you do lead somebody) do when trouble shows up? Quick Answer:  They do what you lead them to do. More Thoughtful Question:  Do the people you lead (and you do lead somebody) run for the hills or cower in fear at the first sign of trouble, or do they courageously rise up to the challenge? More Thoughtful Answer:  They do what you lead them to do.  Not necessarily what tell them to do or manipulate them to do.  What you lead them to do. That reminds me of a story.  True story.  About a guy named Eli.  Now Eli was a soldier, and being a…

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  Shawn Wood Writes...

• Get rid of the red tape

  ShawnWood

  12 Jan 2012 | 7:00 am

  I have a theory.  It’s not a proven theory but it is one that I really believe in. I think that crowd dynamics have  a lot to do with how people feel when they are in a crowd. You have to have enough people in a room to feel cozy but not so many people that you [...]

• You got a give it away.

  ShawnWood

  11 Jan 2012 | 7:00 am

  If you are thinking of planting a church there is a really important concept you need to ask yourself before you start building a core team.  Are you willing to give away the church? It seems like a weird question given that intelectually we would all quickly say, “the church belongs to God” and I [...]

• God is Bigger Than Land Dad

  ShawnWood

  10 Jan 2012 | 9:29 am

  I have been praying a very bold prayer for our church concerning a permanent home recently. I have been asking God to provide generously, show us the right timing and make it just the right place. As we were driving past one piece of land that is in my “sights” I asked my 6-year old daughter to [...]

• Joyfully in His Arms

  ShawnWood

  9 Jan 2012 | 7:00 am

  There is the picture of the Good Shepherd in Luke chapter 15 that is contrary to most people’s view of God. And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I [...]

• Coming This Week: January 8, 2012

  ShawnWood

  8 Jan 2012 | 7:00 am

  Here is the line-up for this week: Monday January 9, 2012 – “Joyfully in His Arms” In Luke 15 Jesus tells a story of a lost sheep who the good shepherd joyfully throws over his arms. Tuesday January 10, 2012 – “God is better than some piece of land” This was a quote from my [...]

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  Worship.com

• LIFT 2012: a worship leader collective

  Worship.com

  27 Jan 2012 | 3:42 pm

  Passion City Church is excited to announce LIFT - a worship leader collective for songwriters and musicians. Please visit the original post if the links and video clips are not visible, or if the complete article does not appear.

• ‘Tebow Law’ Debate Draws Attention to Homeschooled Athletes

  Worship.com

  27 Jan 2012 | 3:22 pm

  Legislators in Virginia are working to pass a law that would allow homeschooled students to participate in public school athletic programs, just like Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow did when he... Please visit the original post if the links and video clips are not visible, or if the complete article does not appear.

• Steven Spielberg Directing New ‘Ten Commandments’?

  Worship.com

  27 Jan 2012 | 3:09 pm

  Warner Brothers rumored to be at work on two movies with a historical Christian theme, one with Mel Gibson and the other with Steven Spielberg. Please visit the original post if the links and video clips are not visible, or if the complete article does not appear.

• Mainstream media talk news

  Worship.com

  27 Jan 2012 | 2:56 pm

  Entertainment and getting more "eyes" and "ears" is the goal not substance. Please visit the original post if the links and video clips are not visible, or if the complete article does not appear.

• Catalyst Podcast

  Worship.com

  23 Jan 2012 | 2:06 pm

  Today’s featured podcast, The Catalyst Podcast, delivers practical leadership and cultural insights through in-depth interviews with renowned leaders, sought after speakers and best-selling... Please visit the original post if the links and video clips are not visible, or if the complete article does not appear.

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  Reformation21

• Effective Group Bible Study

  23 Jan 2012 | 12:29 pm

  It's six o'clock Wednesday evening. Your church's mid-week Bible study starts in one hour but you don't feel like going. The trouble is, you can't think of a fresh excuse and you don't dare to say what you, (and several others) would like to say: "Is this really what a Bible Study is supposed to be like?"As we are almost one month into 2012, this scenario probably gets played out week after week, year after year, in the minds of countless believers. They trust that group Bible studies are important but stumble over how unedifying they often are. Can anything be done to help?Effective Bible…

• Tullian Tchividjian, Jesus+Nothing=Everything

  15 Jan 2012 | 2:22 pm

  Even before the book came out, Jesus + Nothing = Everything had the perfect formula for a popular book: a catchy title that "just sounds right" (p. 25), an author with an intriguingly unique name (Tullian Tchividjian, pronounced cha-vi-jin), his blog at The Gospel Coalition to prime interest for the book, and a fairly publicized history with the church where he is a pastor (Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Florida). In fact, the events surrounding the 2009 merger between his former church and Coral Ridge Presbyterian are partly responsible for much of the story behind what is written.The…

• Herman Bavinck's Reformed Dogmatics--Abridged in One Volume, John Bolt (ed.)

  15 Jan 2012 | 12:46 pm

  John Bolt accepted the unenviable challenge of editing an abridged volume of Herman Bavinck's magnum opus, the Reformed Dogmatics. While Bavinck's magisterial work encompasses four volumes, Dr. Bolt was required to select the most germane sections of these four volumes, and then to distill those sections down to their irreducible minimum and to give the reader the essence of each section. That made his challenge even more difficult.In the "Editor's Preface," Bolt provides us with some insights into exactly how the volume came into existence. When Bolt edited the English translation of…

• Faith vs. Religion?

  13 Jan 2012 | 2:29 pm

  In our day, unlike in the days of generations past, we have much too simplistic a view of what it means to believe something. In the world today, many people use the word "believe" to describe their feelings about something or describe a fleeting wish or hopeful desire. But as we consider the word belief, or faith, in its fullest biblical sense, we see that the word implies God's gracious act of giving and our humble act of receiving and resting on Christ alone, which involves our entire being: the heart, the mind, and the will.(1)Although we use the word belief in conjunction with all areas…

• Oikos: A Case for Reviving the Household Economy

  9 Jan 2012 | 6:20 pm

  One of the more effective strategies in converting an Anabaptist to a Pedobaptist is to have him examine the ancient term oikos or "household." It certainly worked in my case. I poured over literature handed to me by kind elders and teachers who not only wanted me to feel at home in a new denomination, but also knew a little nudge might pull me over to the entire creed. I read Jonathan Watt's "The Oikos Formula" in The Case for Covenantal Infant Baptism and it soon became apparent that baptism was not so much a sign of my personal faith as it was a sign of the Faithful One on my behalf and on…

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  Kingdom Calling

• Financial News at Your Fingertips

  Wes Bridel

  27 Jan 2012 | 5:00 am

  Some big financial news has been coming out recently, so we thought it a good idea to share some of the important recent events with you.  You can check out the last few posts of this series here, here, & here.  Of course, you’ve probably already seen the biggest news of the week which is that Ben Bernanke and the Fed have lengthened the time that they plan to keep interest rates at near zero until 2014.  This means that all the “good news” that the financial media is spinning for the economy is NOT what the Fed itself is seeing. The Fed also seemingly left the door…

• Exposition on “The Shepherd of the North”

  Wes Bridel

  25 Jan 2012 | 5:00 am

  On Monday, we shared an ancient parable out of China that probably pre-dates the Kingdom of God’s advancement into that land (as goes on in amazing ways today).  But it’s an amazing parable that has often come to mind when sharing with others that teaches an important lesson. Today, we’ll share a few thoughts on how this relates to your life and mine as a believer in this broken world. The circumstances in our life are always arranged by God for our benefit.  And thus they are always good even when our flesh might find them to be horrific. Paul said, “And we know that in all things…

• The Shepherd of the North

  Wes Bridel

  23 Jan 2012 | 5:00 am

  There was an old & wise shepherd who lived in the north of China. One day, the best of his few horses ran away. His neighbors came by and tried to console him. He replied, “Who knows this might be a blessing?” About a month later, his horse came back with a flock of wilder horses.   His friends came by and exclaimed, “Wow, you are so blessed to have this happen out of nowhere to make you a rich man!” The wise man said, “Maybe, who knows?” Years later, he had a son, who enjoyed riding horses as he grew up. One day, as he mounted a fine horse, the stallion took off running and…

• January 2012 Newsletter Reprint

  Wes Bridel

  20 Jan 2012 | 5:00 am

  We’re reprinting the January Kingdom Calling Newsletter today so that it’s easier to link back to in the future.  If you’re not receiving the Monthly Kingdom Calling Newsletter, sign up to the right above the RED “Get Video Now” Button. Year in Review Today, we’ll review our predictions from a year ago.  But first, I wanted to give you a peak behind the curtain of my writings here at Kingdom Calling. I’ve had difficulty deciding what to put in this month’s newsletter mostly because I have 7 – 10 topics I want to write about right now. …

• Update on US Economy (Pt 2)

  Wes Bridel

  18 Jan 2012 | 5:00 am

  This economic update video helps you understand what is going on in the US economy and markets so that you can be more fully informed to decide how to position your portfolio & prepare your family.  This video will discuss what’s been going on over the last 3 months.  We’re continuing a  series of videos which can be found here.  This is the second of two videos in this series focusing on the US economy. Today, we’ll look at factors affecting the US economy such as:  1)  Where did this 1% tax on financial transactions come from and who is supporting it?,  2)  Two…

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  Connecting to Impact

• A Pleasant Surprise

  jason@church4allnations.com

  26 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

  I went to add this guest post from Floyd before I had even read it. I know His heart and I knew it would be wonderful. What I didn’t know was his subject matter and how when I got to the end there would be tears in my eyes. Floyd, you’re a great blessing yourself and I’m so honored to know you and be a part of your life. Thank you. Pleasant surprises don’t seem to be as common as they used to be. Then again I think many of us get so absorbed in our own lives that we often miss a pleasant surprise, even when it might be staring us right in the kisser. Pleasant surprises…

• Down to the Purpose

  jason@church4allnations.com

  25 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

  I know you may have all hear it before, but please forgive me for repeating this. It’s not only important, but it’s an idea that gets lost in the midst of our busyness, goals, ambitions, fears, complacency, and more. The Kingdom of God is advanced through love—sincere, honest, substantive, divine love. A great many are desperate for finding purpose, but if we know our Father, our purpose is clear. We love because He first loved us. He shows the path and we continue to walk on it. I like how Katie put it as she served school children, took care of needs, and tried not to get overwhelmed…

• Every Step a Victory

  jason@church4allnations.com

  24 Jan 2012 | 6:19 am

  ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts. –Zechariah 4:6 You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the LORD is with you.” –2 Chronicles 20:17 Yesterday was a big day. It was the first day we’ve got to meet our son. Not through papers and descriptions, not through two-dimensional pictures with washed out colors—live flesh and blood people talking and relating to one another (even through a…

• Community Sustains Awakening

  jason@church4allnations.com

  23 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

  Before I left Juneau, I shared a word that was stirring in my spirit and I know is always stirring in the heart of God. Community. Not the appearance or façade, but real, living community in the body of Christ and our own local expression. This type of community is more than a club or social gathering, it is a living, breathing expression of the Father’s heart and purposes for the earth. That Doesn’t mean it’s easy by any means. It takes dedicated time and commitment, effort and determination, and the willingness to be vulnerable and inevitably forgive. Side note: if Jesus had no…

• Sanctuary: Gates

  jason@church4allnations.com

  22 Jan 2012 | 9:00 am

  Sanctuary– 1 : a place (as a church or a temple) for worship 2 a place of refuge and protection Meditating on the beauty He’s created and the power of His words… Over the next few weeks while we’re in Japan, I thought it would be nice to share some photos from here. Psalm 24 (NASB) 7 Lift up your heads, O gates, And be lifted up, O ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in! 8 Who is the King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O gates, And lift them up, O ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in! 10…

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  FRC Blog

• Feathers Ruffled at Greater DC Girl Scout Council

  Cathy Ruse

  27 Jan 2012 | 10:37 am

  The Girl Scout Council of the National’s Capitol is handing out a statement to people who are inquiring about the charges I and others have made about the far-Left agenda at Girl Scouts HQ.  Let’s take a look: Regarding the charge that the Girl Scouts’ official policy is to admit transgender toddlers, the statement reads:  “Our Council has not dealt with requests from families of transgender youth. Our focus remains on girls in kindergarten through…”  It does not say they will not admit transgender boys and in fact it is the national policy that they do so if ever there is…

• Responding to Islamism and Persecution of the Church

  Rob Schwarzwalder

  26 Jan 2012 | 2:58 pm

  Persecution of self-identified Christians has become a pandemic in the developing world.  For Catholics, Evangelical Protestants, Copts and others, making the simple assertion that they follow Jesus Christ can lead to abuse, eviction, disfigurement, and – far too often – death. Today at FRC, we heard a remarkable and very probing lecture by Dr. Patrick Sookhdeo, a profound theologian and himself a former Muslim, about the way the church is responding to the threat of radical Islam both abroad and here in the United States. Dr. Sookhdeo drew a striking parallel between the church in…

• Of Shipwrecks and Debates

  Robert Morrison

  26 Jan 2012 | 2:26 pm

  Think of an iceberg and a ship. What comes to mind? The Titanic, of course. And if you don’t mentally picture the greatest luxury liner in history with her stern in the starry, moonless sky, about to break up and go under, you haven’t been to the movies. Unfortunately, Hollywood created a thoroughly dishonest account of that “night to remember.” The image of a bribed ship’s second officer who deliberately shot panicked civilians is only one of the many offenses against the well-documented truths of that night one hundred years ago. I was researching an American history book several…

• Trials and Tribulations of Girl Land

  Krystle Weeks

  26 Jan 2012 | 12:35 pm

  Caitlin Flanagan recently released a new book, Girl Land, which takes a look at the world of today’s adolescent girls and the issues they are facing. Of course, Flanagan has again enraged feminists everywhere with her perspective. In Girl Land, Flanagan looks at how culture has changed over time and how it has become focused on viewing girls as sexual objects and denying them the privacy, daydreams, and crushes that normal girlhood provides. In other words, they are losing their sense of self. However, Girl Land is also drawing some criticism from those who might agree with Flanagan’s…

• Girl Scouts Not Pro-Abortion! Earth Not Round!

  Cathy Ruse

  25 Jan 2012 | 11:29 am

  I recently opined in the Washington Times  that people should forgo the Thin Mints this year because of the far-left sociopolitical agenda pushed by Girl Scouts HQ. Others, too, have sounded the alarm. Feathers have been ruffled. While their transgressions are sundry (forcing troops to admit cross-dressing boys being just one example), Girl Scout executives and their apologists seem most eager to defend the Scouts’ supposed “official neutrality” on abortion and “official non-partnership” with the nation’s abortion giant, Planned Parenthood. Here are just five facts for the…

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  Blogging Theologically | Jesus, Books, Culture, & Theology

• Let the Personal Conflict Cease

  Aaron Armstrong

  28 Jan 2012 | 5:00 am

  The will of God is supreme. Be it His secret will, or be it His revealed will, its supremacy is acknowledged. In heaven, in earth, in hell, in all places, over all beings, and in all events, the scepter of the Divine will stretches its illimitable and supreme sovereignty. It is the paramount law of the universe. Every other will is subordinate to, and is controlled by, the will of Jehovah. Let those think of this and tremble who, erecting their little sovereignties, and setting up their puny wills in defiance of, and in opposition to, the supreme sovereignty of the universe, are seeking to be…

• The Dangerous Side of Being an Encourager

  Aaron Armstrong

  27 Jan 2012 | 5:00 am

  People like Barnabas are always needed in the church. They are peacemakers, the go-betweens who seek no glory for themselves but only seek to bring out the best in others. But “would-be” Barnabases of today need to hear a further lesson from this outstanding biblical figure. Barnabases want everyone to be happy, but sometimes it simply is not possible to please everyone without serious compromise of one’s basic convictions. Barnabas found that out later at Antioch when, in order to placate the conservative Jewish Christians “from James” (Jerusalem), he withdrew from table…

• Creativity, Christianity, and Developing Your Personal Style

  Aaron Armstrong

  26 Jan 2012 | 5:00 am

  I love this advice from C.S. Lewis: The way for a person to develop a style is (a) to know exactly what he wants to say, and (b) to be sure he is saying exactly that. The reader, we must remember, does not start by knowing what we mean. If our words are ambiguous, our meaning will escape him. I sometimes think that writing is like driving sheep down a road. If there is any gate open to the left or the right the reader will most certainly go into it. In another writing, Lewis expands on this advice: (1) Always try to use the language so as to make quite clear what you mean and make sure your…

• You Might Be Killing Your Ministry (And Not Even Know It)

  Aaron Armstrong

  25 Jan 2012 | 5:00 am

  What is the one thing that will kill your ministry faster than anything else? Consider that question as you read. I frequently love to read Proverbs. Reading these principles of life and godliness often serves as a corrective for me as I work and pursue ministry. Something I mentioned a few weeks back was a tendency toward performancism—that is, a tendency to turn the gifts and abilities that God has given as the measure of my worth. So when I’m doing lots and being productive, then I’m great and God’s favor is upon me. When life starts to turn to a subtle shade of…

• Book Review: Education or Imitation by Curtis Allen

  Aaron Armstrong

  24 Jan 2012 | 5:00 am

  What does it take to interpret Scripture correctly? Education? A seminary degree? Learning Greek and Hebrew? These are great and helpful things, but argues Curtis (Voice) Allen, they’re not the secret to becoming a good interpreter of Scripture. The secret is imitating Jesus. “Interpretation of Scripture, followed by right application, is the primary way that we are to be like God,” he writes in his new book, Education or Imitation?: Bible Interpretation for Dummies Like You and Me. “This is not an issue of education. It’s an issue of imitation” (p.

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  Bible Stories My Kids Love

• Where is that Coin

  24 Jan 2012 | 4:21 pm

  Jesus tells a story about a women who lost a coin and how she searched her home until she found it. From that story we learn many valuable lessons about our relationship with God and how He celebrates when we find him.Enjoy today's Bible Stories My Kids Love. MP3 File - Click Here to Download Podcast

• The Escape to Egypt

  11 Jan 2012 | 4:01 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

• The Sheppard's Christmas

  24 Dec 2011 | 3:51 pm

  The Sheppard's see an Angel and become the first to witness 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

• A Christmas Story - Wise Men and the Star

  13 Dec 2011 | 4:37 pm

  The Wise Men see a star and follow it, knowing that the prophecies of old were about to come true (from Matthew the first book of the New Testament.)Enjoy this special Christmas edition of Bible Stories My Kids Love. MP3 File - Click Here to Download Podcast

• Here Comes the Son

  2 Dec 2011 | 1:30 pm

  In today's Bible Stories My Kids Love hear about the prophecies that lead up to the birth of Jesus and how the fulfilling of these promises gave us the Greatest Gift of all.Enjoy the Bible Story and have a great Christmas season. MP3 File - Click Here to Download Podcast

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  Missionary Confidential

• Question: What Book(s) Would You Recommend to People Who Want to be a Missionary?

  C. Holland

  25 Jan 2012 | 3:58 pm

  Question: What Book(s) Would You Recommend to People Who Want to be a Missionary?New Post from: Missionary Confidential I’d like to read more this year, and missiology/missions is definitely on the subject list. I’m thinking of possibly reviewing some of those books on this site so: What book(s) would you recommend to someone who says, “I’m thinking of becoming a missionary/going on a short-term mission trip” or asks the question, “What’s it like to be a missionary?” Hit the comments below! Related posts: Question Week: What Books Would You…

• Do You Give Christmas Gifts to Your Supporters?

  C. Holland

  19 Dec 2011 | 7:27 pm

  Do You Give Christmas Gifts to Your Supporters?New Post from: Missionary Confidential The latest newsletter from The Body Builders talks about the importance of sending gifts to your supporters, not only to encourage better relationships with your financial partners but also to help maintain giving. I have to be honest; in our almost five years in the field, we never sent Christmas gifts. As much as we communicated and made sure to send letters, postcards and make phone calls to our supporters, we just couldn’t afford to buy and ship packages from our field. The cost was too high. But…

• Roll the Dice, Get a Prize, Give to Missions?

  C. Holland

  21 Oct 2011 | 1:09 pm

  Roll the Dice, Get a Prize, Give to Missions?New Post from: Missionary Confidential I’m rethinking a lot about missions these days while back in the States. Much, much more to come, but a friend recently sent us this: “Girls Night Out – Bunko With a Mission”! Mark your calendars for Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at [church]. Prizes and raffling off gift baskets from [Local Restaurant], Starbucks, Lacome, Mary Kay, [Tutoring], Bath & Body, [Football Team tickets] and much more. Suggested donation $10. Feel free to invite a friend…Please R.S.V.P. There are so many ways to…

• Yet Sometimes God Closes the Door

  C. Holland

  16 Sep 2011 | 2:04 pm

  Yet Sometimes God Closes the DoorNew Post from: Missionary Confidential We’re back in the States. For now. We’ve been back for a few months. Praying, waiting, seeking God’s direction. I didn’t mean to leave the blog with the cliffhanger of  “The Voices in Your Head”, but shortly after that entry things went horribly wrong at the church we were serving. Elders, deacons and church members spoke some of those exact words I had typed in April. Those voices became real. And there’s no way they read the blog; only my Other Half knows about it. But that’s not the problem. We’ve…

• The Voices in Your Head

  C. Holland

  18 Apr 2011 | 10:22 am

  The Voices in Your HeadNew Post from: Missionary Confidential On the mission field you see a lot of things, hear a lot of things, feel a lot of things. But the hardest thing to overcome is the voices in your head. You know what I’m talking about. They’re not audible (we’re not talking schizophrenia here), they don’t make logical sense, but they’re always there. Hanging on your every hang-up, weakness, and self-doubt, those voices know exactly how to get to you. And even though there’s no actual proof for 99% of it, you just feel that it’s so believable. Oh, I had those voices…

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  Ed Bahler's Blog...To Enhance Ministry

• I am Convinced

  Ed Bahler

  11 Jan 2012 | 9:02 pm

  Ten days ago I shared how God fulfills His promise to show up when we’re in big trouble. That was the first big lesson from my journey with cancer. The second lesson became clear when others showed up as well. The apostle Paul gave us this promise: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 I love how Paul says that God will surround us with His love…

• Our Prince of Peace

  Ed Bahler

  30 Dec 2011 | 3:20 pm

  It’s rare to receive a death sentence. It’s even rarer to receive a death sentence and survive. With survival rates in the single digits, people considered my “Pancreatic Cancer” diagnosis last month as nothing less than a death sentence. And I did too. I’ll never forget that night, driving to each of my kid’s homes to drop that death sentence on them. I knew that as the leader of the family I had to be strong. I had to show faith, hope, love, and courage. But these Hold Me Jesus song lyrics from Rich Mullins express the real thoughts ricocheting off the walls of my heart that…

• God Gives Back

  Ed Bahler

  5 Dec 2011 | 4:26 pm

  I’ll never forget that night, ten years ago, when a lifelong dream died. We had made our decision, and I was realizing that I would never have the chance to work alongside my oldest son, Clint. We hugged and cried as we both let go of a vision that we had nurtured together from the time Clint was a young boy. Clint had worked at our company after school since seventh grade. We loved to be together and to work together. But now Clint had finished his freshman year of engineering at Purdue, and he had to make the choice between Civil Engineering in order to come back to our company or…

• Perfect Love

  Ed Bahler

  3 Dec 2011 | 9:28 pm

  “You have Pancreatic cancer.” They were the most devastating words a man could hear. My head dropped. I couldn’t look up. The world stopped. After conquering heart disease 30 months ago, I now have a new attacker. And this one is far more deadly. Don’t Google it and read the mortality rates, or you’ll have me buried before you finish this post. I had myself buried before I left the doctor’s office Wednesday evening. It seemed hopeless. It was heartbreaking traveling from house to house that night to tell my kids. We were all crying. My girls were cuddled…

• Preparing for the Breakthrough

  Ed Bahler

  30 Nov 2011 | 10:55 am

  Some great advice from Seth Godin’s blog: Preparing for the Breakthrough/Calamity… That’s what we spend most of our time doing. The breakthrough speech that will change everything, or the giant insight that opens every door. We fret about the apocalyptic ending, the big crash, the slam climax as well. Of course, it almost never happens that way. Products and services succeed one person at a time, as the word slowly spreads. Customers defect one person at a time, as hearts are broken and people are disappointed. Doors open, sure, but not all at once. One at a time. One at a…

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  GaryMo

• I Need Some Creative Help

  admin

  26 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

  Our production company (Floodgate Productions) is in the process of creating a campaign for an amazing client called Pro Athlete’s Outreach. In a nutshell, we’re interviewing a series of high profile athletes, morphing those interviews into video stories, and creating a website where pastors and teachers can download the videos for FREE. Kinda like the “I Am Second” campaign, but with resourcing a teacher/speaker/leader in mind. I need your help with a great campaign name. So here’s the deal: * Come up with a campaign name, or two, or ten. * Follow me on Twitter.

• Art for the World

  admin

  24 Jan 2012 | 8:05 am

  The following is an excerpt from my book –  Pursing Christ. Creating Art. (Westbow 2011) ______________________ Christians don’t need to create art for God. He doesn’t need it. Christians need to create art in response to God. Because the world needs it. The world needs art. The world needs your art. It doesn’t matter if it meets your own expectations. It won’t. Make your very best creative attempt to make visible the invisible God, and let Him worry about the rest. The Psalmist provides one of the most beautiful artistic musings available anywhere. “He put a new song in my…

• Believe

  admin

  23 Jan 2012 | 11:14 am

  I have two partners at Floodgate Productions – Dave Wilkins and Jason Rowe. They both contributed to my book about faith and creativity, and are both dear friends and creative collaborators. When we came back after the Christmas break, Dave walked into the office with a script in his hand – a script that he wrote. He looked at us and said… “I’m going to make a three-minute short film for a local film festival. I have three weeks until it’s due.” Dave went on to tell us that he had already written a script (a really great script, by the way). Now, he…

• Take Long Showers

  admin

  12 Jan 2012 | 11:00 am

  The more your art improves, the less time you’ll have to be creative. As your art grows and expands and reaches new eyes, you’ll find yourself managing simultaneous creative projects, meeting with pastors or department heads, following up on past-due projects, and staying up all night to meet hard deadlines. You’ll be forced to learn how to provide your own tech support for the hardware and software you use. And if you don’t cheat something, you’ll unintentionally cheat what got you there in the first place. Creativity. You’ll cheat creativity. There are…

• What If We Just Give Up?

  admin

  3 Jan 2012 | 10:46 am

  I start this first post of 2012 with something that’s been forming in my heart for a while now. It’s simple, and a little deep. But not really that deep. Now more than ever, I believe that God’s primary working in our lives is to get us to let everything fall into His hands, and then for Him to redeem and restore the pieces. Everything. The problem is that most of us don’t really want to offer God everything in heart surrender. We stand and sing “I Surrender All” at the old-fashioned Sunday Night Hymn Sing, but we’re really singing “I surrender…

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  Standing On Giants

• What Can You Decide To Ship In a Non FedEx or UPS Way

  Kyle Reed

  24 Jan 2012 | 7:50 am

  All this language about shipping can be confusing, at least to me. Maybe more overwhelming then confusing, shipping seems to be grandiose idea of making great stuff. When really it is a decision to just do the work. You ever wonder what are some things you could ship? (in a non FEDEX or UPS way) You could decide to ship… A blog post every day. 800 words on paper every day. One new creative idea. 25 minutes reading a book. 30 minutes on the treadmill. One conversation with an old friend. A home cooked meal. 25 pushups. A hand written letter. A difficult conversation. Make a cup of tea.

• What Happens When a Fireman Poses as a Policeman?

  Kyle Reed

  18 Jan 2012 | 8:32 am

  Nothing. The simple answer is this absurdity does not happen. Why? Because we know that firemen put out fires. They do not make traffic stops, get in gun fights or eat donuts. Instead they focus on keeping people safe from fire. aa What happens when every day people start to write? An oddity occurs. The oddity of personal passion and public pursuit. The desire to share something but also the desire to be known for sharing something. It can quickly shift from personal to public. The oddity occurs when we start to downplay personal passion and focus on public pursuit. Part of the problem with…

• Another Week Of Opportunities

  Kyle Reed

  16 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

  Monday’s are always bittersweet. For most they hang on the shoulders as a burden. The weekend is over, time to go back to work and time to face all the challenges that come with Monday. More conflict. More drama. More uncertainty. More denial. More bitterness. More depression. More doubt. Monday does not always present itself in the greatest way. But what if Monday represented a whole lot more? Opportunity. Opportunity to grow. Opportunity to learn. Opportunity to develop relationships. Opportunity to seize the day. Monday does represent more. Monday starts another chance to grab…

• True Spirit of Christmas

  Kyle Reed

  20 Dec 2011 | 4:50 am

  If you looked at my internet history from yesterday you would wonder why I spent so much time on urbanoutfitters.com and forever21.com women’s sections. Trust me, I was wondering the same thing. But the reason my internet history seems odd was that I was putting the finishing touches up on gifts for my sisters. I am one of millions of Americans who does all their christmas shopping online. And with the final purchase of that leather jacket for my sister, Christmas 2011 shopping was done. As you can image, when you are searching the internet for deals and gifts, you have some time to…

• Music Tuesday: M83

  Kyle Reed

  8 Nov 2011 | 10:07 am

  Today we feature some a band that sounds like a gun but doesn’t really sound like a gun. It is M83, and I think you will enjoy these sounds today while you work. And you can sound really cool when people ask you what you have been listening to lately by just responding with M83, the band not the gun…or something like that. Enjoy Buy the album here

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  Heart Choices

• One Word for 2012 ~ Adventure

  26 Jan 2012 | 2:00 am

  I'm joining in this week's Faith Barista Jam.  Bonnie asked us to write about ...ADVENTURE. I had to laugh when my friend Jamie sent me this photo of her two little girls and a dog.  I wonder who is really in the driver's seat? It happens to be that adventure was my one word for 2012.  I tend to be a dreamer and a planner.  But lately my life has been anything but stable and planned.  As I see it, I have two choices. Try to control my world and drive myself nuts with stress. Trust God and allow Him to guide me each step of the way on this adventure. Frankly, I'm ready…

• Did You Celebrate Winnie the Pooh's Birthday?

  23 Jan 2012 | 1:30 am

  Counting my every day blessings is so good for me.  I had a difficult weekend with a close relative in the hospital.  It's hard to see someone you love and care for go through valleys. I was happy to be able to sit down and write out my blessings.  As I focused on the good things the Lord has blessed me with this week, it helps make it easier to deal with the more difficult aspects of life. We celebrated Winnie the Pooh's birthday last week at school.  What fun! Everyone dressed up in yellow and red and many of the children had their Pooh bears in their backpacks.

• My Hope is in You

  21 Jan 2012 | 8:14 am

  "My Hope is in You" is a song that has touched my heart this week. Aaron Shust sings it and when I heard of his story it became even more special.  He and his wife have a young son with a serious medical condition.  On KLOVE radio I listened to some of his story.  Recently they had a second child and just learned that he also has special needs.  Aaron and his wife are clinging to Psalm 62:5. Psalm 62:5 Contemporary English Version (CEV) 5"Only God gives inward peace,    and I depend on him." Psalm 62:5 New International Version (NIV)  5 "Yes, my…

• I Have Joy

  20 Jan 2012 | 7:07 am

  Little Debbie I have joy! Joy is different from happiness.  It's easy to be happy when life is good and things are going my way. But joy isn't dependent upon life circumstances. Bonnie of Faith Barista asked us to share about the word "JOY" for this week's Faith Barista Jam. As a little girl, I remember singing a song that went like this: I have the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart.I have the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.Down in my  heart to stay. That joy is there to stay because I have Jesus in my heart.  His Spirit…

• A Renewed Mind

  17 Jan 2012 | 7:19 am

  Our quote this week for "In Other Words Tuesdays" was chosen by Living for God. "Without the renewed mind, we will distort the Scriptures to avoid their radical commands for self-denial, and love, and purity, and supreme satisfaction in Christ alone." ~ John Piper This is a quote I totally agree with. Many people have studied the Scriptures. Many people have much head knowledge of the Scriptures but not heart knowledge.   Many people can quote certain verses.   Many people can take a verse of Scripture out of context to suit their own agenda.   Even Satan knows Scripture and…

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  Captain’s Blog

• Love Languages after a Letdown - How I was cared for by three steadfast friends

  Chad Estes

  6 Jan 2012 | 5:42 pm

  I had some discouraging news Wednesday night. I’m losing my largest client and the major source of my income. Change like this is always startling yet it presents itself with some new and exciting opportunities. I reached out to a couple of friends when I heard the news with a quick text. We had company over at the time so I couldn’t really make phone calls, but I needed to let them know what I was going through. What I received from them yesterday was personal and amazing. The first friend was at my home the next morning waiting for me to wake up. My day started with a reassuring hug. I…

• Capturing Lisa’s Essence - Telling a Story with Environmental Photography

  Chad Estes

  23 Dec 2011 | 1:12 pm

  Earlier this year I made a list of people that I’d like to photograph in an environment that illuminates something special about them as a person. Posed portraits are important to us as they capture a visual timeline of events (weddings and proms) and ages (senior photos, Christmas card photos, etc.). Candid pictures are important as they can capture a moment in time along with all of the connected emotions (a child opening a gift). Environmental portraits can be either posed or candid, but they are shot in a background that expresses part of the story of a person’s life. My friend Lisa…

• Christmas videos to make you smile

  Chad Estes

  16 Dec 2011 | 10:04 am

  Silent Monks Singing Halleluia Hysterical Nativity – Little Girl Steals Show Tweet

• Occupy Advent - Going after the Ninety Nine

  Chad Estes

  15 Dec 2011 | 2:00 am

  This post is part of World Vision’s 12 blogs of Christmas. It’s the day after Thanksgiving and the holiday season gift buying is in full swing. Black Friday specials have the shoppers out in droves. Downtown Portland is a sea of moving people with packages, shopping lists, and agendas. Me, I’m armed with my Nikon camera, hoping to capture some artistic street photos. I stand on a street corner for a half hour or so, just getting a feel for the people walking from store to store. I notice that some of the downtown citizens remain outside the retail giants’ doors. There is an older…

• What do you do when ‘Going to Church’ Hurts More than Staying Away? - from an anonymous church goer

  Chad Estes

  13 Dec 2011 | 2:30 pm

  Alan Knox has a blog called, “The Assembling of the Church.” In a post a few days ago an anonymous poster expressed how marginalized her family feels in their church.  Alan followed up with her and gave her the opportunity to write a guest post that is revealing to what many people experience in their congregations today. You may feel right at home in your congregation. You may see all the growth and the excellence and feel that God’s vision is being accomplished. Not everybody feels that way. They don’t know how to express themselves for fear of being called divisive. If they end up…

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  Here I Blog

• TD Jakes Reviews: Elephant Room and 11 Various Books

  Mark

  27 Jan 2012 | 2:45 pm

  First, James White weighs in on his Dividing Line radio show for two hours. There were so many listeners that the servers crashed.  Find the link and a description below.A Mega-Friday DL on TD Jakes and Elephants in the RoomIn any case, I addressed the TD Jakes: is he a Trinitarian? issue head on during the first hour, and then took calls on the topic for a full hour after that. The callers were wide ranging, and while none defended the ER or Jakes, they did provide some good insights. Lots of positive feedback on Twitter and FaceBook. Hope it will be helpful! Here’s the program.Next,…

• Angry Apostles and the Trinity

  Mark

  26 Jan 2012 | 11:49 am

  On the TrinityFirst, Pastor Tom Chantry has provided a actual transcript of T.D. Jakes words on the Trinity from The Elephant Room 2, session 4.1Chantry then made a follow-up post in which he shares his thoughts in the following five points.21. Jakes masterfully deconstructs the entire practice of theology. 2. Driscoll and MacDonald are too much in awe of Jakes’ massive numeric success to call him on this. 3. James MacDonald is angry. 4. The mega-pastors are one big lovin’ family! 5. If you aren’t defined at least somewhat by what you are against, you aren’t really…

• Ethics: Church Discipline Contract Issued

  Mark

  25 Jan 2012 | 2:22 pm

  What would you do Wednesday!Today’s situation deals with the uncomfortable issue of church discipline. To make the situation more uncomfortable a church discipline contract will also be involved. The scenario is inspired by real circumstances surrounding a former Mars Hill Church member named Andrew who was issued a church discipline contract to sign.1Imagine that you (or a friend if you wish) has just confessed and repented of being sexually involved with a fellow church member who happens to be the child of one of the church elders. The confession took place in the covenant group that…

• A Response to Jerry Vines on Calvinism and Southern Baptists

  Mark

  24 Jan 2012 | 8:36 pm

  Friend and fellow Southern Baptist Joshua Breland has responded to Jerry Vines’ recent comments that Calvinism is one of the biggest challenges confronting the Southern Baptist Convention in his article: Maybe the Mayan Calendar Was Marking the End of the Southern Baptist Convention.One of the claims Joshua addresses is Vines’ charge that a move toward five-point Calvinism would be a move away from the gospel. If this claim is correct, then there are a lot of Southern Baptists serving the Lord who are further away from the gospel than those non-Calvinists with whom they serve. (I…

• God is Doing Amazing Things!

  Mark

  24 Jan 2012 | 11:07 am

  God is going to do something awesome. God is going to do something amazing. God is doing something incredible. God is doing something awesome. God is doing something amazing. God is doing amazing things. It’s going to be awesome. Let’s change the world. God will prosper you. Fly with the eagles. Listen to the Spirit. It’s all about love. Lives will change. God is working. Look to Jesus. Praise God. Amen.Such sensational words are sometimes used in preaching for dramatic emotional effect. Yet, the words themselves must be attached to something or they stir empty praise and…

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  PeterPollock.com

• Marching – Blog Carnival

  PeterP

  23 Jan 2012 | 9:36 pm

  Stock Media Courtesy of Pond5 Welcome to our ‘Marching’ blog carnival. No matter how you’ve come to be here or where you’re coming from, you’re welcome and we’d love for you to come back and visit us again soon. The idea of the carnival is simple. We pick one word every two weeks and all write a blog post inspired by that word, this week being the word marching. It’s fascinating to see the range of different trains of thought that can come from just one word. Below this, you’ll find a little widget called Simply Linked. All the participants add their links to the…

• Resolutions From Luke 6

  PeterP

  19 Jan 2012 | 11:20 pm

  Stock Media Courtesy of Pond5 My father’s sermon on New Year’s day 2012 defined twelve ‘resolutions’ extracted from Luke chapter six – and I want to challenge you with them today. I wish I had been there to hear the sermon but he summarized it the comments on the New Song 40 blog. These are the resolutions: 12 Resolutions from Luke chapter 6 verses 27 to 31 and 37 to 38 1. I will show love to my enemies 2. I will do good to those who hate me 3. I will bless those who curse me 4. I will always pray for people who treat me badly 5. I will always offer the other…

• Fresh – Blog Carnival

  PeterP

  10 Jan 2012 | 2:36 am

  Stock Media Courtesy of Pond5 Welcome to this ‘Fresh’, first One Word at a Time blog carnival of 2012. No matter how you’ve come to be here or where you’re coming from, you’re welcome and we’d love for you to come back and visit us again soon. The idea of the carnival is simple. We pick one word every two weeks and all write a blog post inspired by that word, this week being the word fresh. It’s fascinating to see the range of different trains of thought that can come from just one word. Below this, you’ll find a little widget called Simply Linked. All the participants…

• I Want to Think Bigger

  PeterP

  9 Jan 2012 | 3:49 am

  It was recently renowned scientist Stephen Hawking’s seventieth birthday and I read an article on this remarkable man in which there was a fascinating quote from him. If you haven’t heard of Stephen Hawking, there are two things you should know about him: He’s smarter than you, me and your mom put together. In 1963 he was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease and given just months to live. Here’s what he has to say about his disability:  The human race is so puny compared to the universe that being disabled is not of much cosmic significance. How incredible is that?

• Recover – Blog Carnival

  PeterP

  27 Dec 2011 | 4:57 am

  Stock Media Courtesy of Pond5 Welcome to the last One Word at a Time blog carnival of 2011, which this week is on the word ‘recover’. No matter how you’ve come to be here or where you’re coming from, you’re welcome and we’d love for you to come back and visit us again soon. The idea of the carnival is simple. We pick one word every two weeks and all write a blog post inspired by that word. It’s fascinating to see the range of different trains of thought that can come from just one word. Below this, you’ll find a little widget called Simply Linked. All the participants add…

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  sound of a soft breath

• Top 20 List of My Favorite Free Online Bible Reading and Study Tools

  Brad

  1 Jan 2012 | 8:34 pm

  Here we are at the start of a new year. More and more each year I find myself using the Internet to read and study the Bible. There are a lot of free online Bible reading and study tools that can be a great help in learning more about God's Word. Here is a list of my top 20 Bible reading and study online resources broken down by category. Bible Reading Here are some places online where you can read the Bible comfortably. Websites with a high readability and usability online or via a mobile device. YouVersion - Read Online or on a Mobile Device. Find me here on YouVersion. Bible Gateway - Read…

• The Essential Journey to Bethlehem Free eBook for Advent

  Brad

  23 Nov 2011 | 6:06 pm

  Scripture Union USA has a new free eBook that with 26 Bible readings that take you through Advent. Spend just a few minutes each day following the Bible’s story of Jesus’ birth. The Essential Journey to Bethlehem provides you with one short scripture reading each day followed by a reflection question or two designed to help you see how God promised the world a Savior and then kept that promise. "The Essential Journey to Bethlehem is the latest in SU’s Essential series, joining the popular Essential 100 (E100), and the Essential Jesus bible reading programs." (From Scripture Union's news…

• Francis Chan says You Could Die Today

  Brad

  29 Jul 2011 | 8:00 am

  Francis Chan gave Chapter 2 of his "Crazy Love" book this title "You Might Not Finish this Chapter". I am currently reading the book and he begins this chapter writing "You could die before you finish reading this chapter". He goes on to point out that we to easily view each day as just another normal day. "On the average day, we don't consider God very much. On the average day, we forget that our life truly is a vapor. But there is nothing normal about today. Just think about everything that must function properly just for you to survive. For example your kidneys..."He reminds us what James…

• Dance Your Shoes Off On Resurrection Day

  Brad

  23 Apr 2011 | 8:06 am

  Let the Easter Celebration Begin! Jesus has Risen! This video was inspired by one done in Budapest, Hungary on April 4, 2010. Check that video out on YouTube. Resurrection Sunday Dance Here is what was written on YouTube about the "Dance Your Shoes Off" video: More than 2,000 people from Second Baptist Church, Houston, Texas, gathered at Discovery Green in the heart of Houston to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The purpose of Dance Your Shoes Off! was to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus Christ in a powerful and celebratory way. Most importantly, each participant left a new pair of…

• Tim Keller Makes a Case for the Resurrection of Jesus

  Brad

  13 Apr 2011 | 3:03 pm

  Tim Keller Easter is coming and I have been thinking about the Resurrection of Christ.Here is an extended quote from an article Tim Keller wrote titled "A Case for the Resurrection" in the magazine Relevant. It was subtitled: "Author and pastor Tim Keller on why Christ's Resurrection is more than just a story." The resurrection was as inconceivable for the first disciples, as impossible for them to believe, as it is for many of us today. Granted, their reasons would have been different from ours. The Greeks did not believe in resurrection; in the Greek worldview, the afterlife was liberation…

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  BibleDude.net » BibleDude.net: read. pray. serve.

• chasing them away

  Nikole Hahn

  26 Jan 2012 | 9:00 am

  Reading blogs gives me a chance to step into the lives of others. I often come across many Christians who bash gathering in church for a variety of reasons. Some of those reasons are painfully legitimate and some are simply unwilling to stay and make a difference because they come to be served, instead of serve. I’ve heard all kinds of different reasons for not coming to church. In a conversation over this very topic, my husband caused me to recall why these blogs bother me so much. A lot of my family are Mormon, Agnostic, and Atheist. My husband asked, “If there are so many Mormons,…

• purple jacket lady

  Cara Sexton

  25 Jan 2012 | 5:00 am

  I was at the drug store yesterday, in line for a prescription, and a woman in a purple jacket melted down…. just… went to pieces right there in the prescription line. “I can’t DO THIS ANYMORE!” She screamed at the stunned cashier, who blinked quickly while everyone stood there staring, watching Purple Jacket Lady hurtle her backpack into a shelf full of laxatives and antihistamines. “I can’t wait for OVER AN HOUR HERE ANYMORE!” She screamed guttural and clawed at her blotching cheeks. “I AM NOT GOING TO DO THIS! I AM NOT GOING TO DO THIS WITH YOU…

• why i wear black to church

  Mandy Thompson

  24 Jan 2012 | 5:00 am

  Ours is a t-shirt and flip-flops sort of church, so I can get away with wearing just about anything that falls into the “modest” category. Plus, I’m a “musician” (said in hushed tones with hand covering mouth). So, black it is. And black it’s been for nearly three months: My favorite pair of skinny jeans. (I’m a worship leader, what do you expect?) My crazy sloping turtle-neck sweater. My knee-high fleather boots and my rings and my hat and my glasses. Let me stop before you gentlemen get bored and click that little red x in the corner of this tab.

• addiction to ministry [part two]

  Nikole Hahn

  23 Jan 2012 | 5:00 am

  You are reading the 'addiction to ministry' series. Read more from this series of articles. addiction to ministry [part one] addiction to ministry [part two] “We need to get together sometime.” I said this to my friend as I had just finished unloading my stress on her willing shoulders. It’s because of my previous post that I realized ministry had become an unhealthy habit; too much ministry anyway. I had forgotten what it’s like to simply have coffee with a friend for no other reason than because of our friendship, and not because it was ministry led. Though every encounter…

• addiction to ministry [part one]

  Nikole Hahn

  20 Jan 2012 | 9:10 am

  You are reading the 'addiction to ministry' series. Read more from this series of articles. addiction to ministry [part one] addiction to ministry [part two] What is wrong with me? I came to church with stress hanging on me like an oversized jacket. My heart had focused on  people instead of God’s provisions. Ministry failed to excite me. And then it hit me… Like quick sand, the more I struggled the faster the mire sucked me under. Soon, I didn’t recognize me anymore. Every time I got together with people it was like someone else stepped in. Everything I did was…

• 

  Biblical Preaching

• Saturday Short Thought: Concluding Chronicles and Biblical Theology

  Peter Mead

  28 Jan 2012 | 12:40 am

  Over the past three weeks I have been preaching a series in 2Chronicles 26-36, which is effectively the end of the Hebrew canon (in the typical Jewish ordering of books), and the conclusion of the backwards looking summary of the Old Testament.  Because my wife is expecting any day, I am uncertain of being able to preach tomorrow, and so made sure I finished the series last week.  But I now have (potentially) another two messages in the series tomorrow since the baby seems to be comfortable where it is. This leaves me in the nice position of being finished with the series, yet not finished.

• Be Quick to Look, Slow to Decide

  Peter Mead

  27 Jan 2012 | 12:10 am

  This week we began another season of Cor Deo – a small group of people longing to know God more and grow closer to Him.  We had some great discussions, studied some wonderful passages and enjoyed getting to know each other.  One discussion moment was the highlight of the week for me.  A passage was raised and considered.  The more we looked at it, the more it opened up for us. Here’s the thing.  If we had looked at just the particular verse, even a good few minutes of studying it wouldn’t have been enough.  We had to look at the surrounding context.  By the end of our…

• Stuck in the Mud

  Peter Mead

  25 Jan 2012 | 11:37 pm

  Some sermons seem to get stuck. Some that I preach.  Some that others preach.  The sermon is moving along well, perhaps moving at a decent pace through a text, engaging and interesting, then suddenly, the sermon seems to go into thick mud.  Suddenly the momentum is lost and the experience for preacher and listener alike changes significantly. Why does this happen?  The message is following the standard guidelines for sermons.  The text is being explained, the relevance is being emphasized, illustrative material is helping listeners see the message clearly, etc.  But momentum drains away…

• Why I’m Not Rushing to Two-Person Preaching – Part 2

  Peter Mead

  25 Jan 2012 | 12:28 am

  If our churches follow cultural trends, which they tend to, does this mean we are facing the prospect of “sanctified banter preaching?” After all, it seems like everywhere we look in the media, there are now two presenters, two DJ’s, two hosts. So do we have to consider having two preachers simul-preaching? I suspect not… I remember sitting at a big Christian convention where three speakers rotated through the morning session in soundbites. The blessing of hearing one was only frustrated by the ranting of another, it felt bitty and unprepared. But what if it were done…

• Why I Am Not Rushing to Two-Person Preaching

  Peter Mead

  24 Jan 2012 | 12:33 am

  Whether we admit it or not, our churches are shaped by our culture.  When overhead projectors became the thing in business meetings, so suddenly preachers wondered how Wesley had survived without acetates.  Then preachers pondered the problems Spurgeon must have faced without powerpoint and projectors. As well as technological influence, there are others too.  How regularly do we hear and see another “study” indicating people have shockingly short attention spans so we should keep our messages to less than 35 seconds?  It’s amazing how these “studies” seem to selectively focus…

• 

  maxgrace.com

• Why Grace-Oriented People Still Need God’s Law or Bring Back the Ten Commandments!

  maxgrace

  13 Jan 2012 | 2:24 pm

  If you know me, you know me as a champion of the grace of God. I have dedicated my ministry to preaching and teaching the truths of God’s amazing grace. Along with that, I’ve dedicated my life to destroying legalism. I hate it, in Christian love. You also know I haven’t blogged for a while, so this is something important to me. Thanks for reading. Today’s post is prompted by a conversation with my wife. In her business ethics class at a Christian university, she asked her students how many of them would hire someone they knew was cheating on their spouse. Most students…

• WORD

  maxgrace

  28 Nov 2011 | 7:53 am

  [Four Letter Words is available at a special price, one day only: $5.99 (list $13.99). Here's an excerpt from the chapter, WORD, click here to purchase specially inscribed/autographed copies of Four Letter Words] Please spread the word. Thanks. God Is… The Apostle John detonated a religious explosion when he wrote, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). He actually wrote it twice (v. 16). No other religion ever made love the heartbeat of God. Christians own “God is love.” We might not have always radiated his ideal standards, but we’ve never budged from this mother of all religious…

• Four Letter Words Discussion Guide

  maxgrace

  22 Sep 2011 | 12:01 pm

  FLWdiscussionguide Filed under: Bill Giovannetti Tagged: Discussion Guide, Four Letter Words

• TRUE: Does your truth have to be my truth too?

  maxgrace

  23 May 2011 | 11:18 am

  An excerpt from my latest book, FOUR LETTER WORDS: Conversations on Faith’s Beauty and Logic, available Fall 2011, but on discounted pre-sale for one more week at FourLetterWords.org.  Chapter Two TRUE: Does your truth have to be my truth too?  What is truth? said jesting Pilate, but would not stay for an answer. (Sir Francis Bacon, A.D. 1625) TOUCHY IDEAS Some ideas are true and some ideas are false. When an idea is true for one person, it’s true for everybody. Truth is absolute, for all times and places. A fact can’t be both true and false at the same time. When two ideas…

• Which Sample Chapter Next?

  maxgrace

  18 May 2011 | 9:56 pm

  I need your help choosing which sample chapter to release next from FOUR LETTER WORDS: Conversations on Faith’s Beauty and Logic. Thanks for your input! Please spread the word about the poll (click the share links below). To vote, just click the tiny circle next to the chapter title. The poll is anonymous, so there’s that. Take Our Poll Free Sample Chapters already available: (click to begin reading) WORD! — What makes the Bible so special? Isn’t it just one among many valid options? DAMN! — Is hell real? Will God send people there? How can a God of love be so…

• 

  Dad in the Middle

• Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-15 to 2012-01-21

  Wayne

  21 Jan 2012 | 11:05 pm

  What verses would you suggest for helping someone who is in denial? #kidmin 13:31:50, 2012-01-18 Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-08 to 2012-01-14 http://t.co/IGv5Kn6J 01:25:02, 2012-01-15 Related posts: Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-01 to 2012-01-07 Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-08 to 2012-01-14 Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-09-18 to 2011-09-24

• Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-08 to 2012-01-14

  Wayne

  14 Jan 2012 | 11:05 pm

  @hastenhome @pastorjaredm @commanderbill here is that link on the Luke 16 passage I mentioned. http://t.co/KUs11uEl 22:19:07, 2012-01-13 @HastenHome @pastorjaredm @commanderbill I love a good theological discussion. I'll post the link I sent @pastorjaredm #kidmin in reply to HastenHome 17:13:35, 2012-01-12 @CommanderBill Don't think it's OK for him to "correct" his actions with his master's money though. in reply to CommanderBill 13:26:54, 2012-01-12 @pastorjaredm Check your inbox. Not sure it's 1st grade ready, but it might help. in reply to pastorjaredm…

• The Next BIG Kidmin Deal!

  Wayne

  10 Jan 2012 | 11:51 am

  If you work in Children’s Ministry, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about the deals from Only144.com These are the guys who offer amazing deals on collections of children’s ministry resources that are available for only 144 hours each time. Well, the newest 144 hours sale starts this Friday, January 13th at 12:00 P.M. and lasts for, you guessed it, 144 hours! It’s the biggest KIDMIN sale of the YEAR! It features over $1,600+ worth of Children’s and Preteen Ministry resources for only $97. Free shipping to U.S. locations is included. This deal includes: Six Yancy Worship Videos…

• Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-01 to 2012-01-07

  Wayne

  7 Jan 2012 | 11:05 pm

  Got a new iPad for Christmas. I probably already have your top f apps, so what are your 6-10 must have apps? #kidmin #ipad 12:51:14, 2012-01-06 It's Thursday. It's almost 2:00. That seems like good enough reason to chat on CMConnect.org. Join me if you're available! #kidmin 13:56:30, 2012-01-05 The Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol – 2012-01-05 http://t.co/dSs8gPG2 13:26:19, 2012-01-05 Got rid of 90 RSS feeds in Google Reader today. Down to only 226 now. #simplify #kidmin 12:04:11, 2012-01-05 @rogerfields Thanks Roger. I'm looking forward to reading it. in reply to…

• The Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol – 2012-01-05

  5 Jan 2012 | 12:00 pm

  Check out the new and improved (sort of) #Kidmin Blog Patrol on facebook at http://t.co/0MAm8ViF # Related posts: The Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol – 2011-03-17 The Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol – 2011-03-10 The Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol – 2011-05-12

• 

  Crossway Blog

• Single Column Legacy Bible Interview with Bible Design Blog

  Andrew Tebbe

  27 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

  Bible Design Blog recently posted an interview with Crossway’s Bible production department on the Single Column Legacy Bible. This is an informative post for those interested in how the Single Column Legacy Bible was produced. Here’s an excerpt: Q. What is the story behind the Single Column Legacy ESV? How did the idea originate? The original project was conceived under the working title of “Reader’s Thinline Bible.” The goal was to create a single-column, text-only, reader’s edition that focused on an inviting readable page and beautiful design. Our Bible typesetter…

• Praying in Response to God’s Word

  Angie Cheatham

  26 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

  by Nigel Benyon and Andrew Sach from Dig Deeper: Tools for Understanding God’s Word Sometimes people say that prayer is a two-way conversation, where God speaks to us and we speak to God. But the Bible never uses the word “prayer” in this way. Prayer is simply when we talk to God. Others think of reading the Bible as a conversation, in which God speaks to us, and we bring our own meanings to the text so that in some sense we find a voice, too. That’s not right, either. We have a conversation when we hear God speak to us in the Bible and then we speak to him in prayer. There’s a…

• So You Think You Can Understand God’s Word…

  Angie Cheatham

  25 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

  These past couple weeks we’ve been focusing on the importance, the motivation, and strategies for reading and meditating on God’s Word. While it is good to have motivation and strategies in place, they cannot be what we ultimately rely on. Nigel Benyon and Andrew Sach give some helpful insight from their book Dig Deeper: Tools for Understanding God’s Word. We Can Understand the Word of God Only by the Spirit of God. Consider the following: But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love…

• The Book That Is Essential for Knowing God

  Lindsay Tully

  24 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

  Modified from Andy Naselli’s chapter in Don’t Call it a Comeback: The Old Faith for a New Day The Bible is necessary for us to know, trust, and obey God. You must somehow hear the Bible’s message—whether by reading it yourself or hearing someone else read or explain it—in order to become a Christian. “The sacred writings . . . are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:15). “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ” (Rom. 10:17, NIV). You must keep hearing the Bible’s message to…

• Book Giveaway: The Case for Life

  Angie Cheatham

  23 Jan 2012 | 1:24 pm

  In our earlier post, Scott Klusendorf explains how we can defend the pro-life view in 5 minutes. If you haven’t read it yet, we highly encourage you to take a few minutes to check it out. Additionally, we’d like to give away 5 copies of Scott’s book, The Case for Life: Equipping Christians to Engage the Culture. Here’s how you can participate: Tweet using this hash tag: #case4life. Point to this link http://cway.to/AALkko, tell us why you’d like to win a copy, and/or tweet one of the quotes provided below. Winners will be picked at random and notified on…

• 

  WordPress.com News

• Chrome Users: Try the WordPress.com Extension

  Christopher Finke

  27 Jan 2012 | 1:54 pm

  Want to receive WordPress.com notifications instantly, even when you’re not on WordPress.com? Add the new WordPress.com extension for Chrome and as soon as you get a new follower or a new like on one of your posts, a notification will appear in your browser: Simply click the icon to view your latest WordPress.com notifications: Start following new blogs without visiting WordPress.com The Chrome extension also makes it easy to follow sites from your WordPress.com account by displaying a Follow button whenever you’re browsing a site that has an RSS feed. Clicking the Follow button…

• Your Stats Have a New Home

  Andy Skelton

  26 Jan 2012 | 10:46 am

  Are you addicted to checking your site stats? You are not alone. The stats dashboard has always been one of the most popular admin screens. It’s gratifying to know that people are visiting your place online. With the WordPress.com front page evolving into a one-stop shop for posting, exploring, following and reading blogs, it seemed natural to put your blog stats there, too.  Stats are becoming more and more about interacting with your readers and other bloggers. You’ll still see your summary stats and chart on your main dashboard, and the full stats page in your dashboard will…

• Reblogging is Back!

  Erica Johnson

  22 Jan 2012 | 1:27 pm

  As we mentioned last week, you can like and reblog posts directly from your reader, which displays a stream of all the updates published on all the blogs you follow from your WordPress.com account. We’ve also brought the reblog button back to the toolbar that appears at the top of the screen when you’re logged into WordPress.com. Note that you’ll only see the like and reblog options while you’re looking at individual posts. For example, you’ll see this on the left side of your toolbar while viewing http://en.blog.wordpress.com/2012/01/20/read-blogs: And your…

• New Theme: Newsy

  Philip Arthur Moore

  20 Jan 2012 | 12:18 pm

  It’s been an extra big week in the news ’round these parts, so much so that the launch announcement of our latest premium theme seems like an extra extra good way to headline our Friday. Newsy is a versatile business and news-friendly theme that offers up to ten different layouts, four footer columns, custom link and accent colors, and a custom site header. Brand and content-focused editorial teams will love publishing with this theme. Newsy: Home Page Designed by Themify, Newsy comes with an impressive set of Theme Options that afford you a great deal of flexibility with how you…

• Read All Your Favorite Blogs in One Place

  Erica Johnson

  19 Jan 2012 | 6:04 pm

  If you feel like it’s a chore to keep up with all your favorite blogs, you can now read posts from all the blogs you follow (even the ones that aren’t on WordPress.com!) in one convenient place on the WordPress.com home page: Your reader displays all the posts across all the blogs you follow in the order they were published, with the most recent content appearing at the top. You’ll see an excerpt of the introduction to each post, the first image in the post, and thumbnails of any other images that the post contains. You can even like and reblog WordPress.com content directly…

• 

  jonathancliff.com : Life, Ministry, and Life Again

• Forcing Us to Grow

  Jonathan Cliff

  26 Jan 2012 | 4:00 am

  Let’s talk about making that real lasting investment in our communities, and making it outside of our church.  (Catch-up with the introduction HERE.)  I love MY church, THE church, and the calling of the church.  However, sincerely believing that doesn’t mean that the Church Can Do Everything, and it Helps to Make our Message Real.  The other great side-effect of serving in an uncomfortable place is it Forces us as Leaders to Grow. When we take ourselves of the comfort our churches afford us, we begin to see all kinds of discipleship happen in our own lives.  I know…

• Helping to Make our Message Real

  Jonathan Cliff

  25 Jan 2012 | 4:00 am

  Let’s talk about making that real lasting investment in our communities, and making it outside of our church.  (Catch-up with the introduction HERE.)  I love MY church, THE church, and the calling of the church.  However, sincerely believing that doesn’t mean that the Church Can Do Everything, and it doesn’t end there.  One of the most important benefits to us as leaders to serve outside of our churches, is it Helps to Make our Message Real. I know that for years I would speak, preach, teach, and talk family, family, family.  However, it wasn’t until I…

• The Church Can’t Do Everything

  Jonathan Cliff

  24 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am

  This week we are talking about making that real lasting investment in our communities, and making it outside of our church.  (Catch-up with the introduction HERE.)  I love MY church, THE church, and the calling of the church.  However, sincerely believing that doesn’t mean that the Church Can Do Everything. I believe that it was never the intention of the local church to replace individual outreach.  It’s not the church’s job to reach out to my next door neighbor, or coach my kids baseball team, or volunteer at the public school in my community, or share Christ with the…

• Outside of the Church

  Jonathan Cliff

  23 Jan 2012 | 4:00 am

  I’ve been in a struggle.  This week, I’d like to take you on a journey my family and I have been on for the past couple of years. I serve in a local church.  I love the local church, and I fully support the mission my church lives to fulfill.  However, how do we take this great message of hope and salvation, and move it outside of our church walls? And more specifically, how do we do it as a family outside of our homes? I’d like to evaluate the different reasons that Church leaders should be investing in their communities on an individual level. Before talking about any…

• Sanctity of Human Life

  Jonathan Cliff

  20 Jan 2012 | 8:42 am

  This Sunday, January 22nd churches all over the country will be observing Sanctity of Human Life Sunday.  It’s not an arguement, it’s not taking stand against anything, it’s not picking a fight; it’s about mirroring God’s heart towards all life.  He chooses life, and so do we as believers. To those struggling with the choice of what to do with their unexpected, unborn children…we offer them hope and ask them to choose life. To those struggling with the consequences of their past decisions to have an abortion…we offer them hope and ask them to now…

• 

  Shooting the Breeze

• Favourite Links Friday: 6 awesome posts to check out!

  Kevin Martineau

  27 Jan 2012 | 10:56 am

  Welcome to Favourite Links Friday! This is my way of saying “Thank-you” to all my fellow bloggers by sharing some of their wonderful posts that I have read during the week. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did! 6 of my favourite posts from the past week: 1. Poisonous Root by Pete Wilson 2. Disconnect to Reconnect Your Family by Carey Nieuwhof 3. Is It an Obstacle or an Opportunity? by Michael Hyatt 4. The Difference Between Trust and Fear by Justin and Trisha 5. Color Outside The Lines by Michael Perkins 6. Separate But Equal by Scott Go and check out these great posts! Also,…

• Show your love for God by giving to Him

  Kevin Martineau

  26 Jan 2012 | 10:51 am

  Giving, at its core, is the essence of love. You spell “love” G-I-V-E because that’s what love is all about. When you love someone you want to give to them. “You can give without loving but you cannot love without giving.” Amy Carmichael Showing our love for God If we say we love God, then it’s going to show up in our generous lifestyle. We can claim to be a Christian.  We can claim to be a follower of Christ. We can claim to love God. But the Bible says there is one way to really test the sincerity of our love. “But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in…

• Show your love for God by listening to Him

  Kevin Martineau

  25 Jan 2012 | 10:58 am

  Listening is one of the greatest gifts we can give to another person.   We all want to be understood.  We all want to be listened to. When we listen to someone, we’re saying, “You matter to me.” When I listen to my children, when I listen to my wife, when I listen to anybody, I’m saying, “I value what you have to say. I value your opinion. You’re important to me.” When I don’t listen to somebody I’m basically saying, “You don’t matter to me. You’re not important to me. What you have to say I don’t value.” One of the ways we express love to anybody is…

• Show your love for God by talking to Him

  Kevin Martineau

  24 Jan 2012 | 11:26 am

  It took me a while to figure this out.   I admit I’m a slow learner.  But I finally figured out that this thing called marriage is about communication. I have discovered that on the days that I have deep, significant and meaningful communication with Lauren our relationship grows. And on those days when we have little or none of this type of communication our relationship decays because a relationship is never standing still.  It’s either growing or decaying. The same is true with God. On the days when we have deep, significant talks with God our relationship grows. On the days…

• God made you so He could love you

  Kevin Martineau

  23 Jan 2012 | 10:57 am

  How would you respond to this question: What does God want from us more than anything else? Many would say moral devotion. Others would say ethical behaviour. Some would say religious ritual. But these things, even though they may some good attached to them, are not what God wants from us more than anything else. The essence of the Christian life can be summed up in two words “love affair”. God wants to have a love affair with us! The Bible says that we were created as an object of God’s love.  God made us to love us. He made us to be an object of His love. God wants to have a…

• 

  RELEVANT Magazine

• Your Big Idea is Not Enough

  24 Jan 2012 | 8:31 am

  How to quit stalling and begin finishing. “One day, I'll open up a coffee shop.” “One day, I'll fight human trafficking.” “One day, I'll move overseas.” So, you’ve got dreams. A lot of people in their 20s and 30s are dreamers. Who cares? The world doesn’t need your dreams; it needs your action. It needs your life to matter. And so do you. How do you begin? Start. Dreaming is stalling The first girl I ever asked out was a cheerleader named Katie. It took me months to work up the gall. Finally, one night after school, I walked up to her and did it. I had envisioned the…

• How to Read the Bible the Wrong Way

  18 Jan 2012 | 8:23 am

  There's a difference between reading to just know more, and to know God. Most Christians aren't able to read the New Testament in Greek. But I assume most do read the Bible with the hope of actually understanding it. So what is the role of biblical scholarship for the average Christian trying to find God through the Scriptures? The reality is we are vastly removed from the context of the Bible. It's nearly impossible to read anything with complete objectivity. Our assumptions, perspectives and experiences drip onto the pages and coat the words we read. It's vital to seek ways to move past…

• OMG, What Did You Say?

  9 Jan 2012 | 1:13 pm

  “Oh, my God!” There are plenty of people, including me, who immediately cringe when they hear those words. Christians specifically tense up as they recall the words of the Third Commandment: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” Of course, that’s a much milder infraction of the Commandment than what’s frequently heard on movies and your average sports bar. For whatever reason, God is asked to damn things quite a bit. And some people believe Jesus’ middle name begins with an “H.” Yeah,…

• The Bible's Unanswered Questions

  3 Jan 2012 | 2:30 pm

  Anyone who has ever taken an English class can appreciate the need to figure out what a text means. In high school, our teachers taught us about symbols, metaphors, settings and unreliable narrators while we worked feverishly over our copies of The Catcher in the Rye and The Great Gatsby, trying to crack the code. But if you studied those texts closely enough, you may have come across something surprising—something, perhaps, that your teacher didn’t tell you. Every time you “answer” a question about the text, that answer—whether right or wrong—only serves to open up new questions.

• Even Jesus Wept

  29 Dec 2011 | 11:00 pm

  Why our theology needs room for sadness. Editor's Note: This week, we're revisiting the most popular web content on RELEVANTmagazine.com in 2011—and this one caught us by surprise. People don't want to read about being sad, right?  Yet, a great number of readers passed along this article about the theology of sorrow. Many Christians see God as an emotionless deity, and tend to view their feelings, especially negative ones, as being unlike Him. But Caleb (a funeral director who knows a thing or two about the heights of emotion) reveals a God who has known the ache of loss, who…

• 

  (re)made

• I Don’t Know

  Adam Smith

  18 Jan 2012 | 1:44 am

  Creative Commons Photo Credit by photojonny You don’t know everything. I promise. Once you realize this, you can begin seeking what answers you need. It makes you vulnerable and that in itself makes your team trust you more. A leader that shares what they know and is humble in the areas of where they need to grow, shows others that it’s ok to know where your strengths are and those areas where some work needs to be put in. In the process you will pick up skills that make you better along the way. Once you know that you don’t have the answer, you can begin to find it. You can…

• You Are Just Down One Step: The Idea

  Adam Smith

  11 Jan 2012 | 6:31 pm

  Creative Commons Photo Credit by pascalbovet Ideas come and they go. Some of those ideas that come are bad, some are good and then some are those great ones in life. Forget about the bad ideas once you recognize which ones those are. There is no use in spending mental capacity on ideas that aren’t going anywhere. As for the good ideas, write those down somewhere where you can come back to them later. You may need to spend extra time thinking about how you can make those good ideas even better. With some strategic planning, those will most likely become great later on. Great ideas are…

• Using Your Mission Statement As A Filter

  Adam Smith

  4 Jan 2012 | 6:29 pm

  Creative Commons Photo Credit by inkybob Mission statements are important. Really important. They take time to process so you can come up with the one that is right for you. Be specific. Keep it just long enough to get the point across. You want to be able to remember it so you can tell others and so you can keep it handy for when you need to use it. Make sure it will lead you to your desired outcome. And once you find that fitting mission statement for your personal life or for your business, it is now time to put it to use. Here is why using a mission statement in every area of life is so…

• Write Things Down

  Adam Smith

  2 Jan 2012 | 11:15 pm

  Creative Commons Photo Credit by lynnfriedman If you are like me, if you don’t write things down or type it into Evernote, then you will forget it ten minutes later. Personally I’m a fan of Evernote, but if you don’t mess with technology a leather binder will do the job just fine. If you don’t write or type a to-do list yet, then here are 3 reasons why writing everything down is so important: 1. You waste time trying to think of what you needed to do in the first place. Your to-do list keeps you on point. It makes you more productive and effective throughout the day.

• Do You Know Your Reputation?

  Adam Smith

  27 Dec 2011 | 11:35 pm

  Some people will shrug off their reputation because they either don’t care to know or they think that the public’s perception isn’t accurate, but here are three reasons why you NEED to know what others think of you: 1. Your reputation is all you need for your “branding”. People try to do all sorts of “flashy”, gimmick events to build their marketing in the community and online, but let’s go deeper than that. Specials and events can help make up a company’s dynamic, but it can’t define them. Those things don’t last a lifetime.

• 

  Travel Deals Blog BestTravelDeals.net

• Travel Deals of the Day: January 27, 2012

  kirsten

  27 Jan 2012 | 2:44 pm

  $99 — Poconos, PA: Lakefront Getaway w/$50 Credit Stay at Split Rock Resort & Golf Club and enjoy th scenic Pocono Mountains. Valid for travel through April 2012. $79-$99 — Panama City Beachfront Condo w/Dolphin Cruise Stay at the family-friendly Boardwalk Beach Resort Central Condominium plus Two FREE Cruise Tickets + Two FREE Drinks. Valid travel [...]

• Travel Deals of the Day: January 26, 2012

  kirsten

  26 Jan 2012 | 2:15 pm

  $349+: Atlantis  Bahamas: 4th Night Free + Air Credit Up to $400 Air Credit. TRavel Now through June 20, 2012 $520: 3-Nt Riviera Maya Winter Getaway Save up to $600 Off Luxury All-inclusive Resorts in Riviera Maya. Includes Hotel accommodations, Hotel taxes and Airport transportation $132+ pp/pn: Caribbean Resort Sale + 5th Night Free Instant Saving plus 5th Night Free [...]

• Travel Deals of the Day: January 25, 2012

  kirsten

  25 Jan 2012 | 2:05 pm

  $371 — Las Vegas 5-Star Weekend from Denver with Show Tix & Tax Includes Airfare, 3 nights at ARIA Resort & Casino, Choice of two show tickets. Valid for travel from February – April. $1099 — Oceanview Cabin: 12-Nt. Europe Wine Country Cruise Sail on a Wine-themed European cruise through Paris, Bilbao, Porto. Sailing dates from September through [...]

• Travel Deals of the Day: January 23, 2012

  kirsten

  23 Jan 2012 | 2:53 pm

  Myrtle Beach Exclusive Summer Sale: Upscale Aqua Beach Inn – From $99 Central Myrtle Beach Location. Save $100 Nightly. Travel May 28 – September 30, 2012. Jamaica: 6 Nts + Air, All-Inclusive Holiday Inn Sunspree Montego Bay, From $699 $100 Instant Savings. Kids Stay & Eat Free. Travel April 9 – June 30, 2012 $509 & up – South [...]

• Travel Deals of the Day: January 20, 2012

  kirsten

  20 Jan 2012 | 3:57 pm

  $169+ pp/pn: Hacienda Tres Rios Resort All-Inclusive Resort, Spa & Nature Park 5-Star Luxury in Riviera Maya with FREE Tour + FREE 30min Massage. Through December 15, 2012 $1699+ per person: Air & 8-Nts Australia: Sydney & Cairns Includes RT Airfare on Virgin Australia. Travel February 1, 2012 – December 8, 2012. $99 — Weekends at West Houston Hotel, [...]

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  iChilly

• what I’m singing…

  Chilly

  25 Jan 2012 | 9:27 pm

  Sing with me! Pray with me! Join with me! This is who we are as a church — it captures our heart & vision! singing this prayer, praising in advance, Chilly

• Someone please answer the Call?

  Chilly

  17 Jan 2012 | 10:34 am

  God didn’t just call “us” … HE CALLED YOU.  Many people today excuse themselves from applying and obeying God’s orders – that’s right, I called it ORDERS – you see, His call for the believer is NOT optional – or when it’s convenient. In the New Testament the Greek verb to ‘call’ occurs about 150 times, and in most cases God is calling human beings…  and, you are  human, right? In the Old Testament God called Moses, Samuel and the prophets; in the New Testament Jesus called the Twelve and later Saul of Tarsus.

• MLK

  Chilly

  16 Jan 2012 | 12:45 pm

  Early morning, April 4, Shot rings out in the Memphis sky Free at last, they took your life They could not take your pride In the name of love  What more in the name of love             (lyrics: Pride, by U2)  

• Tell A Vision

  Chilly

  12 Jan 2012 | 10:50 am

  This past weekend, I was able to unlock another dream … vision … for my life and our ministry in Detroit. We opened “Courage Coffee“ and unique brew bar featuring coffees from all around the world. We’re already getting great reviews on Urban Spoon and Yelp (feel free to add yours)! ROAR! I’m also super excited about the possibilities that this new venture will afford us in reaching our community with the message of our Savior! Although the last few weeks seemed like we were just throwing this idea together suddenly, I can assure you that it’s been in…

• Love Beyond Comparison

  Chilly

  9 Jan 2012 | 6:59 pm

  During my message yesterday, I rattled off a bunch of challenges with Scripture –well, I flew through it and a few people asked if hey could get a repeat… So, here they are as promised! TURN COMPARISON INTO COMPASSION… We are to “accept each other”. Romans 15:7 We are to “build each other up”. Romans 14:19 We are to “serve one another”. Galatians 5:13 We are to “share each other’s burdens”. Galatians 6:1-2 We are to be “forgiving one another”. Ephesians 4:32 We are to “submit to one another”.

• 

  The Underground

• Keeping the Faith: Step into the Water

  Ronnie McBrayer

  27 Jan 2012 | 4:55 pm

  I met Candice on a Florida sidewalk while walking to the beach. She was a young, blonde, attractive woman, and she was hovering close behind me as if she had something to say. She had something to say alright – I haven’t been the same since hearing her story. My Florida congregation, where I once lived, was having a beach baptismal service, something fairly common along the coastline on Sunday mornings. A dozen people were stepping into the water that morning, and at the last minute, Candice wanted to be one of them; thus her lurking presence behind me. Turning to her, I asked, “Can I…

• Question of the week: Is predestination Biblical?

  GotQuestions.org

  27 Jan 2012 | 11:40 am

  Question: “What is predestination? Is predestination biblical?” Answer: Romans 8:29-30 tells us, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” Ephesians 1:5 and 11 declare, “He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will…In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him…

• As missionary movement turns 200, questions for the future

  ReligionNewsService

  27 Jan 2012 | 1:36 am

  When America’s first ordained missionaries sailed from here to India 200 years ago, they kicked off a movement to spread the faith and created America’s most potent export: Christianity. That’s the message that will reverberate across nine Judson 200 commemorative events, running Feb. 5-20 in and around Salem. Speakers — evangelicals, mainline Protestants and scholars — will recall how the course of history changed with Adoniram Judson and four other missionaries. Religious liberals and conservatives, who both lay claim to Judson’s legacy, will hold…

• ‘A miniature Christian bookstore’ in the palm of your hand

  ReligionNewsService

  27 Jan 2012 | 12:02 am

  God may hold the whole world in his hand, but persecuted Christians can now hold an entire seminary library on a fingertip. Bible League International is working with the Digital Bible Society to carry the thumbnail-sized chips to Christians in countries, such as China or Saudi Arabia, where possessing unapproved religious materials can result in prosecution or even death. “It’s like a miniature Christian bookstore,” said Robert Frank, Global CEO of Bible League International, an Illinois-based non-profit evangelical ministry dedicated to training church leaders using the…

• Spike Lee does the right thing by religion

  ReligionNewsService

  26 Jan 2012 | 12:48 pm

  I have a confession to make. The only real reason I saw Spike Lee’s new film at the Sundance Film Festival here is because it is set in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn, where my oldest daughter started her career in an elementary school with Teach for America. Even though I think and write about religion for a living, I didn’t attend “Red Hook Summer” because the program guide describes it as the story of a “firebrand preacher bent on getting (his grandson) to accept Jesus Christ as his personal savior.” After all, why would anyone expect a nuanced,…

• 

  Faith Barista

• Pregnant With a Promise: Why You Can’t Turn Back

  Bonnie Gray

  26 Jan 2012 | 2:05 am

  When you’re pregnant with promise, don’t turn back. God will carry your faith to completion. I had never been on the ski slopes before. I was a newly working twenty-something having graduated from college. I finally was earning a salary, which meant I had money to go on a ski trip with my friends. After taking a beginner’s lesson on the green slopes, my friends met up with me for chili at the ski lodge. “Come on up with us to the blue runs!” my friends said, as we finished up our last bites of lunch. “Really?  I don’t think I’m ready for…

• { Faith Dare } Joy Takes More Than One Coat Of Paint

  Bonnie Gray

  19 Jan 2012 | 2:05 am

  Sometimes we approach joy as if we were taking a pop quiz. The art of joy requires more than one coat of paint. When my son turned three, TJ graduated from the crib to an actual bed. Solid wood beds cost a big chunk of money. Add in a super-hero boy, arms loaded with hotwheels and tinkertoy spears — and you’ve got a stressed out mom in the making. So we settled on a lower cost, saner approach. We hauled a bed made out of “natural wood” upstairs and I was commissioned to hit Home Depot to pick out the perfect shade of honey. In short order, I piled cans of wood stains…

• { Faith Dare } Open To Love

  Bonnie Gray

  12 Jan 2012 | 3:31 am

  putting on my hiking boots of faith One crisp winter weekend last month, Hubby and I took the kids hiking to a nearby state park. I know it sounds idyllic, but if you’ve ever been out with two little boys, you get it. “Hiking” means you’re on the alert. You don’t want the happily toddling two-year-old to tumble off the edge of a mountain trail, so you’re constantly herding like a sheepdog. Meanwhile, the kindergartner is exploring, which means your nature hike becomes a tour de force of rock, dirt and sticks mixed with rapid fire Q&A. We soon made it to…

• What’s Your One Word for 2012? A Faith Dare

  Bonnie Gray

  5 Jan 2012 | 2:05 am

  When you make new year resolutions, do you think of who you are becoming more than what you want to be doing? You wouldn’t think it’d be so difficult. To choose one word. For the new year. But, it is. I’ve been trying on my one words for 2012, like a madwoman in a dressing room trying on clothes.  Right before summer. Does this fit right? Is it me? How in the heck do you wear this thing? My first thought was to stick with last year’s One Word:  confidence.  I definitely need a continuing refill on that.  But, is this what God wants me to wear new this year?

• { Unwrap Jesus } Come Alive, Hope Again (DaySpring Christmas Gift Giveaway)

  Bonnie Gray

  22 Dec 2011 | 2:05 am

    I didn’t think I’d end up where I am today. I’m writing my first book. And it’s harder than I thought.  There are so many ways to tell a story, to make a point.  Which way is best and what if I chose the wrong way? How does a girl who was never given a voice think she could suddenly start writing anything beautiful or worthy of print? These are voices from the past.  But, still they buzz around me, as I tap-tap-tap my way forward. My search for God’s guidance really isn’t about a book after all. Because every year, the journey to find direction…

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  THE CHRISTIAN WATCHMAN©

• Topical Review: The Battle of The Bible .

  The Christian Watchman

  23 Jan 2012 | 9:14 pm

  We often gloat about our eloquence and bravery at having read through the whole of the Holy Bible in one single year. I’d say, how commendable. Yet, how fresh is this Word in us on a daily basis? Meanwhile without any iota of prejudice or insinuations whatsoever, the evidence of such accomplishment is a far cry from the unfelt impact in our society at large. Beginning from the covert of our family altars to the Chapels; How factual is this verse in Daniel evident in our conversations and relationship with the outside world: “They that know their God shall do exploits”?  Yet, the…

• Book Review: The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson.

  The Christian Watchman

  19 Jan 2012 | 12:52 am

  Within a typical office setup, it is the norm. Scheduling or circling a pending target area is tenable.  In terms of praying through, there are more odds at stake than imagined. This is simply because; even Heaven and hell have vested interest in the outcome of the least of prayer offered! I do appreciate the allusion of the Legend of Honi The Circle Maker to praying specific prayers, from Mark Batterson’s perspective yet, I must say, using such a character –like Balaam of Beth Peor- makes it a very contentious piece.  The Universal Cliché embraced within the church has always…

• Reflections: The eyes of the Spirit .

  The Christian Watchman

  15 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

  Ignorance, according to the Law is no excuse. Similarly being tactless is a recipe for spiritual casualty. While these two stand a chance of possible recovery, the spiritually blind on the otherhand is a foregone conclusion! A sensitive glance around our secular environment is enough to startle any discerning believer. The global economic quagmire above all other affairs, threatening to sink entire governments and nations in one gulp, is definitely one inescapable headliner. With no water-tight recovery measures in view, the unspeakable prospect stares one in the face like an ominous volcano…

• Topical DVD Review: Why do bad things happen; If GOD is GOD ?

  The Christian Watchman

  13 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am

  I have researched all available databases possible yet, I've been unable to find anybody daring enough(even the shaman knows better), or rather insane, to try and tame scorpions as domesticated pets( however cute they'd look, it takes just one sting to realize they have no room for love)! Besides, I have delved futilely through all archives medical and otherwise for even the most humane reason, as to the source of such incredulous psychotic disorder that came upon a toddler. He calmly slit the throat of his own mother in her sleep! Some are quick to associate all evil, disasters and mishaps…

• Book Review: I AM SECOND by Doug Bender &Dave Sterrett.

  The Christian Watchman

  8 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

  For too long Samson had lived life at his own pace, on his own terms, and unquestionably so at the expense of the opposition. Ruefully, the day he would finally recover from his delirium, he had hit rock bottom! It is a fact of life that "there's only so far a man could get pushed". Once pushed to the wall with no where else to turn to; He is usually left with no option than to fightback! This holds sway so long the opposition is human. But what happens when Man's opposition is the overwhelming contrary wind called -financial uncertainty! Or that debilitating disease which wouldn't let go.

• 

  Marc Estes

• Honoring a REAL Man!

  Marc

  6 Jan 2012 | 12:09 pm

  I was forwarded a story regarding a true hero of defending our country and should have some honor and recognition. This is truly a REAL man! I personally think, these are the stories that should take the “Top Story” or “Breaking News” of our News stations for sure. The actions of Captain Ed Freeman were well documented in Hal Moore’s book “We Were Soldiers Once, and Young” about an intense battle described below and how be risked his life for the sake of others. It was the first major battle between the US Army and the North Vietnamese Army and took place in the La…

• A Christmas to Remember – Living to Give

  Marc

  23 Dec 2011 | 12:33 pm

  This year will mark my 51st Christmas. Over the past half of a century, I have had many memorable moments. I vividly remember hitting a parked car on my brand new bike at age six; that was definitely memorable. I also remember the time throwing up at my Aunt’s house from eating too much fudge and peanuts; yep, that was a memory. I also reflect back on all the special moments with my children being snowed in at Lake Tahoe, sharing those precious moments as a young family; definitely memorable. But this year will have to go on record as the the Christmas that I will remember for a…

• God is a REAL Genius

  Marc

  9 Dec 2011 | 2:35 pm

  Creation itself show the genius of God. You can see it all around you, but if you look closely, you can even see it right in front of you in the things you put in your mouth. Here are some interesting thoughts that may inspire you to believe more in the Genius of God as well as maybe eat a little healthier! A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye… And YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes. A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of…

• 5 Dec 2011 | 4:15 pm

  Marc

  5 Dec 2011 | 4:15 pm

    The following is a guest post from Jon Gordon. For those of you who have not had the privilege of being introduced to his books, blog and articles, you may want to take a few minutes and acquaint yourself with his great leadership insights. You will also really enjoy his newest book, The Seed: Finding Purpose and Happiness in Life and Work. Please enjoy the post and you can find more information about him and his materials at the end of this post. Failing Forward By Jon Gordon Like most people, I have failed more times than I care to remember. I’ve struck out playing baseball, I’ve…

• A Fight over the Nativity Scene – Proud of Elwood City Residents!

  Marc

  3 Dec 2011 | 12:17 am

  One of the things I detest most about this special season are the very few that choose to use this as a time as a time to create conflict regarding the very reason for the season. Here is a case that is worth keeping a close eye on. I tip my hat to the residents of Elwood City who say, “Enough is Enough.” I would love to be there for this showdown! The Freedom From Religion Foundation, located in Wisconsin, is threatening legal action here, but the people of Ellwood City aren’t backing down from their 50-year-old tradition. (See video below). KDKA’s Marty Griffin has been told…

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  Sustainable Traditions

• Seeking shalom: Renewing the Regional Foodshed

  Jason Fowler

  20 Jan 2012 | 7:53 pm

  I'm not sure the exact moment that this happen but at some point over the past five years I became passionate about food and agriculture...This long journey in exploring issues of food, health and agriculture (and how they all relate) has also coincided with a deeper spiritual journey... {This is a content summary only. Visit the Sustainable Traditions blogazine for full links, videos, and more! Shalom! }

• The Commonwealth of the Body

  Ragan Sutterfield

  19 Jan 2012 | 11:50 am

  A woman's body is not her own, a babies body is not her own...a man's body is not his own—they are interconnected in a network of gifts—internal and external to the body. The human person is not private property...it is a commonwealth... {This is a content summary only. Visit the Sustainable Traditions blogazine for full links, videos, and more! Shalom! }

• Reclaiming the Temple: Looking on to What’s Next

  Pam Fowler

  19 Jan 2012 | 9:55 am

  Food is so much more than fuel. Food is connection. It is meant to connect us to the land from which it comes, to the people with whom we share it, the atmosphere in which it is shared, the memories it produces, and mostly with Him who blesses us with it all. {This is a content summary only. Visit the Sustainable Traditions blogazine for full links, videos, and more! Shalom! }

• Mom’s “New” Singer Sewing Machine

  Tyler Amy

  10 Jan 2012 | 11:44 pm

  She inspected it from top to bottom, opening the drawers, admiring the ornate designs of this particular model...Mom's "new" treadle sewing machine was made in September of 1917...This got me thinking: How many iPods are going to be in good working condition in the year 2105? {This is a content summary only. Visit the Sustainable Traditions blogazine for full links, videos, and more! Shalom! }

• Christian Community: New Possibilities For Tough Economic Times

  Tom Sine

  10 Jan 2012 | 8:34 pm

  “We have the opportunity to imagine a spectrum of new communities where, as the followers of Jesus, we can create new ways to be a difference and make a difference”…for times like these. {This is a content summary only. Visit the Sustainable Traditions blogazine for full links, videos, and more! Shalom! }

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  Mr. Garner Goes To Washington

• Thrilled For Tebow

  Rick Garner

  27 Jan 2012 | 2:29 am

  Anyone who knows me well enough knows I'm not much of a sports fan. I never played high school or college ball. I couldn't explain a single play or strategy in any sport. Never shot hoops after school or played football in the yard with friends. Golf's the only game I tried to play - emphasis on tried. Rarely is a game on the TV in our house. No team would I really consider "my team." I've never worn or owned a jersey. The only sports logo in my closet is that of Southern Miss on a nice gold polo shirt given to me by a friend. I'm pretty much as unathletic a guy as they come. So, for me to…

• Leaving The Church Is Not The Answer

  Rick Garner

  19 Jan 2012 | 12:38 am

  In 2011, did you stop attending church? Or was it just another year that you didn't darken such doors? Over the years, both Believers and non-Believers have shared with me their absence was due to hypocrites being in the church. So, what they're revealing is that something another person said or did became a great excuse for them to not go to church. Fact is, we're all hypocrites. We all say one thing and do another. At least occasionally. And some of us are bonified experts. We're all human. We're all flawed. However, are people being flawed the reason others are absent from churches?

• To Group Or Not To Group - There Is No Question

  Rick Garner

  25 Nov 2011 | 11:51 am

  We've heard it said: "Birds of a feather flock together." The phrase of justification is used to gently explain why people with similarities prefer to join a certain group. It's quite unavoidable. Guys like to hang with other guys watching sports or playing golf. Women like to go shopping or to restrooms together. Science fiction fans enjoy huddling together at various conventions. From church denominations, to office teams, to politics, to skin color...people prefer interacting with groups in which they have something in common. Commonality fosters comfort. If there's no comfort, one is less…

• Forming An Educated Opinion On Mississippi's Initiative 26

  Rick Garner

  7 Nov 2011 | 1:19 pm

  Recently, a dear friend in Mississippi asked for my honest opinion of MS Initiative 26. In order to answer her question, I researched the initiative to form my own educated opinion. Support for it seemed easy as the amendment wants to identify life beginning at conception. Yet, there appears to be opposition from various and sometimes unexpected sources. What is Initiative 26? "Be it Enacted by the People of the State of Mississippi:  SECTION 1. Article III of the constitution of the state of Mississippi is hereby amended BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW SECTION TO READ:  Section 33. Person…

• Never Know Who's Watching You

  Rick Garner

  15 Oct 2011 | 1:17 pm

  The woman spoke to me from several feet away while I was walking and reading tweets on my iPhone. She was placing items in the passenger side of her car. Giving her my full attention I said, "Pardon?" She repeated herself. "You can come knock on my door to make me go walking. You don't have to wait for me. Just knock to remind me." I smiled politely, "Well, come on, it's a great habit to have!" She began to step into her car, "You're doing good. Keep it up. You never know who's watching you." Without breaking my stride, I shot a smile towards her and shouted, "Thank you!" Since beginning my…

• 

  Soulfari

• Strategic Family

  Jay Cookingham

  27 Jan 2012 | 5:07 pm

  Many of you know about my ministry called Strategic Fathering (you can go to http://www.strategicfathering.com to find out more). Well, this ministry took a different turn than expected today. While I was at my desk working, Becky my 9 year old daughter came into the room and asked me how to spell "STRATEGIC". Thinking nothing of it, I told her and she was gone in a flash. Later on she handed my wife and I a very colorful, hand drawn flyer...this is what it said. Strategic Sistering 1. Love your sister 2. Love God 3. Be happy 4. Play with a angel (She is studying Hebrews 13:2 right…

• Father Prayer 2

  Jay Cookingham

  26 Jan 2012 | 7:15 am

      I woke up with this prayer on my heart for all of you this morning. I know the battle is hard and many are trying to hold it all together, do the right thing and be obedient to our Lord. Please remember who you are this morning…you are His son, His daughter! You have bought with a price by the greatest heart the universe has ever known. The Father’s focus on you is sharp, precise and never wavers. I pray this prayer for you…and me. - Jay Father, Strengthen and encourage my brothers and sisters today, infused them with vitality and a clear purpose. Enlighten their minds,…

• Joy Is – Warrior Poetry

  Jay Cookingham

  16 Jan 2012 | 2:26 pm

        This poem is submitted as part of the Warrior Poet Circle hosted by Jason Stasyszen of Connecting to Impact. Click here (or the logo) to read some mighty fine poetry! Joy is such a marvelous gift from our Father and as I mused about that, I quickly wrote this down as it flowed out my spirit this afternoon…hope it blesses ya! Joy Is Joy is sunlight dancing across my soul Giving breath to my spirit Joy is the surround sound of completeness Settling the anxiousness of my heart Joy is the duplication of laughter Pushing the deep sorrow from my bones Joy is the fuel of…

• Mission Possible

  Jay Cookingham

  4 Jan 2012 | 5:29 am

    This post, I promise, will bless you...my talented and beautiful daughter Sarah (21) wrote this "guest" post after a huge God moment in her life. Please read on and get ready for God to speak to you...I know He did to me when I read it. Blessings, Jay “I’m not picking up that phone Ethan, because, you don’t want me on your team. I was in Croatia. I had one job, just one, and I failed.” Ok. I am not a Secret Agent. I don’t work for the military, secret service, special ops..nada. The closest I get to being a spy is sitting here watching Mission Impossible 4 with my…

• The Father Prayer

  Jay Cookingham

  2 Jan 2012 | 5:47 pm

    "I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land..." Ezekiel 22:30 I posted this prayer way back in June of 2011 and I felt led to post it on my Facebook page this morning...then I started to reflect further on the words. I made a few slight adjustments (after some prayer) and decided that it will be the "Household Prayer" for the Cookingham family this year. I call it...the Father prayer. I plan on praying it everyday over my family and all the friends in my life. In my heart I want to see my family, my…

• 

  ginamcclain.com

• Rules of Engagement for the Non-Confrontational

  Gina

  24 Jan 2012 | 10:44 am

  I would argue that the most consistent skill that can make you or break you in any industry is your ability to work through conflict.  In today’s market success hinges on your ability to work through conflict.  There are some that fear it will avoid confrontation at all cost.  While others are energized by it and therefore seek it out. Neither of these are the winning camps.   Although I might argue the benefits of a leader that generates a little conflict among their team, this conversation is centered around our natural tendencies toward or away from conflict.  Whether…

• What Every Dad Should Know About Their Daughter

  Gina

  19 Jan 2012 | 1:43 pm

  Last week I was dropping my daughter off for a birthday party.  As I was leaving a man stopped me asking for direction.  He was standing with one of my daughter’s school friends.  Immediately recognizing her I put my hand out and introduced myself explaining that our daughters sit together at lunch often.  His reaction was sarcastic as he gave his daughter a side-ways glance.  I didn’t fully catch what he said but whatever it was it didn’t honor his daughter in any way.  Looking at her I could tell this was not abnormal behavior. I’ll be honest… I wanted to…

• Headed to CPC Orlando!

  Gina

  11 Jan 2012 | 7:54 am

  Headed out to CPC2012 this evening.  I’m looking forward to meeting up with kidmin leaders from all over the nation.  If you’re planning to be there, track me down on Twitter or Facebook.  I’d love to meet you face-to-face. I’ll only be at CPC for 24 hours before I’m back on a plane headed for home.  As much as I love hanging out with kidmin friends (new and old), I really love hanging out with my husband.  :0)  I’ll blog about my experiences while there.  And once I get back I’m planning to follow some other bloggers and their CPC experiences.

• Promises of God

  Gina

  10 Jan 2012 | 8:34 am

  I’m walking through some pretty challenging circumstances with some beautiful people.  Sincere followers of Christ that have made some significant mistakes.  Unfortunately, the reality of mistakes is consequences.  And consequences can be hard. But the joy of seasons like this is the promise God makes to us even in the midst of those consequences.  When it comes down to it, all we have are the promises of God.  There’s something about Isaiah 55.  I love that scripture.  It’s ripe with promises He has made to us…. even in a season of consequences. “My thoughts…

• 3 Tricks to Juggling

  Gina

  30 Nov 2011 | 8:02 am

  Juggling is an art.  And it’s fascinating to watch. My role in ministry is a constant juggle.  There are always projects, special events, team building, volunteer recruiting, personnel conversations,  refining conversations, encouraging conversations, “I’m frustrated!” conversations, etc, etc,etc.  The plate is always full. Should it always be this way?  Great question.  This is all I’ve ever known, so I’m going to say, “Yes!”  The trick to navigating all of it is in the juggling. Here are 3 things I do to juggle well. Juggle the tough…

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  Mommy On Fire

• A Small Book Packed With Big Wisdom…

  mommyonfire

  24 Jan 2012 | 11:01 pm

  Next week, we’ll be starting a new journey here at Mommy on Fire and Heart and Soul Reflections. We’ll be walking through Beth Moore’s new study “James:  Mercy Triumphs” and I am so excited to see where God will take us. I’m trusting that He’ll bring just the right people to study along with us [...]

• 10 Things I Love About Having A Girl

  mommyonfire

  23 Jan 2012 | 8:54 pm

  OK. I admit it. Walking in to my first ultrasound appointment ever, I secretly prayed for a girl. Nothing against boys.  I eventually would have been happy about having a boy – which is, of course, a great thing since I went on to birth two of them shortly thereafter. But a girl… Pink and [...]

• For When You Feel Trapped

  mommyonfire

  22 Jan 2012 | 3:55 pm

  Every now and then, I’m faced with serpents that creep in and try to derail what I’m committed to doing. Like being in a healthy marriage and raising children to love God.  Those two things are the top two the serpents hate the most. So when I have an argument with my husband or it [...]

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  Grace Guy - www.graceguy.org - GraceGuy's BLOG

• Jesus Christ's relationship model

  24 Jan 2012 | 8:00 pm

  Ever since I started the journey of studying the infinitely profound concept of Grace, I was burdened with the desire to understand Christ's relationship model. How did Christ show Grace in his contact with others?MY QUESTIONSI knew Love was the primary motivation (John 3:16), but how did he do it in the everyday situations? How did He demonstrate that Love with the people around Him? Was there a pattern in His interactions that I could learn from? Were there constant character traits that were shown? Was there someting that attracted them to Him and, conversly, was there something that…

• Love came down

  25 Dec 2011 | 10:44 am

  Last year, I wrote about the invisible Grace of that happened on this miraculous time. I was (and still am) amazed at the apparent paradoxes that happened on that day.Christmas is so many things to so many people.  But above all, Christmas is Love coming down and giving Grace to those who have faith.Enjoy Brian Johnson's 'Love came Down'.

• The Pharisees' 10(+1) commandments

  22 Dec 2011 | 7:44 am

  Thou shalt believe that your truth is THE only valid truth.Thou shalt interpret and judge a man's heart through those actions you see. Nothing else is to be considered.Thou shalt use your vast knowledge of God to be right in any and all arguments, especially if others think you should apologize. Use favorite Scripture pieces at will.Thou shalt debate this vast knowledge vigorously with others. They must understand your truth at all costs. All costs.Thou shalt seek the approval and admiration of others above all else. They must see you as you think God sees you.Thou shalt not develop unholy…

• Thank you Giny

  9 Dec 2011 | 3:16 pm

  A close friend of ours has decided to stop chemotherapy treatments because her cancer is too advanced. It was a difficult decision for Giny and her husband Dave to take. When we were going through similar difficult times in our lives, Giny helped me understand the grace that is wrought in just one day. What follows is a deeply personal letter we have sent them recently for their 35th anniversary. I post it here because I recognise that her wise words started me on my path to understanding God's daily grace.------Giny and Dave,Thank you.These 2 words sum up our deepest and hard-to-express…

• The Grace behind 'The Touch of the Master's Hands'

  3 Dec 2011 | 4:14 pm

  When I was a young boy, I had found a collection of inspirational poems in a used book shop. I begged my mom to pay the indicated 4$ (and even included the guilt-inducing wide eyes). She was graceful enough to oblige and I began to read it fervently. It has since become the best 4$ investment I ever begged my mom to make. Out of that collection was a poem called 'The Touch of the Master's Hands'. I wrote a short blog post a while back on it but I recently stumbled upon an essay of the author by Lilly Walters, from the 'One Hand Typing and Keyboarding'.  For Myra, writing such a…

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  Living in Love with Jesus

• Creating Lasting Change

  Kim Avery

  13 Jan 2012 | 8:04 am

  What would your life be like if I waved a magic wand and you continued to do what you are doing but you consistently did it better? What new avenues could you explore and how would your relationships change if your self-confidence suddenly soared? Imagine dialing down your negative self-talk and instead became genuinely content and happy with who you are and what you do. What would your life be like if much of your stress and anxiety disappeared? What if I told you that that magic wand really existed and was within your reach? It does. And it is. Research has shown again and again that people…

• God is Waiting ~ Contagious Love: Wk. 7

  Kim Avery

  4 Nov 2011 | 5:00 am

  The story is told about an old man who was becoming increasingly concerned about his wife’s hearing.  He was convinced that she was on the verge of being stone deaf.  But no matter what he did, she wouldn’t admit there was a problem. After months of trying to convince her, he had had enough and decided to prove his point.  He entered their living room where his wife was seated, facing the fireplace.  From behind her he said in a clear voice, “Honey, I love you.  Did you hear that?” Nothing. He walked halfway across the room and repeated, “Honey, I said I love you.  Do you hear…

• Is This All There Is? ~ Contagious Love ~ Wk. 7

  Kim Avery

  28 Oct 2011 | 5:00 am

  An engineer was walking through a construction site and stopped a laborer and asked him what he was doing. He said, “I’m moving these boards from this pile to that pile over there.” A little further on, he saw a saw a mason and asked him what he was doing. The mason replied, “I’m getting ready to pour some concrete.” Then he came upon a carpenter who was building a frame for the concrete to be poured into, and he asked him the same thing. But the carpenter replied, “I’m building a cathedral where thousands of voices will sing the praises of…

• Love Goes Viral ~ Contagious Love Wk. 6

  Kim Avery

  22 Oct 2011 | 8:40 pm

  It was August 16th, 1987 and the plane was going down. There were only seconds to buckle seat belts, assume the crash position and hold on for dear life. Hearts pounded, fingers fumbled and 155 passengers of Northwest flight 225 covered their heads with their hands. All except one. Paula Chican, without a moment’s hesitation, unbuckled her seat belt, got down on her knees and stretched her arms and body around 4 year old Cecelia. In spite of the danger, disregarding the warnings, risking everything Paula was willing to give up her life to save that of her young daughter. Paula died in the…

• False Expectations ~ Contagious Love ~ Week 5

  Kim Avery

  14 Oct 2011 | 5:14 am

  There are certain words that every parent longs to hear: It will be my pleasure to drop what I am doing just to help you out. What was I thinking? I promise to never hit my brother again. I’ll set my alarm extra early from now on to make sure I have time to make my bed. My homework is all done. Is there anything I can do for you before I go out to play? Thank you for correcting me. It’s helping me grow into a mature adult. Of course, if your children did say these things you would have to worry that an alien had whisked them away and replaced them with a clone – a clone that had…

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  Dale Tedder's Journal

• A Prayer for Growing Older

  daletedder

  25 Jan 2012 | 10:16 pm

  Lord, Thou knowest better than I myself that I am growing older and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving … Continue reading →

• Prayer for Third Sunday After Epiphany

  daletedder

  22 Jan 2012 | 7:33 am

  Almighty and everlasting God, the radiance of faithful souls, who didst bring the nations to thy light and kings to the brightness of thy rising: Fill, we beseech thee, the world with thy glory, and show thyself unto all the … Continue reading →

• Scripture for this Lord’s Day (Psalm 62:5-12)

  daletedder

  22 Jan 2012 | 7:28 am

  Psalm 62:5-12  5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;    my hope comes from him. 6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;    he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. 7 My salvation and my honor … Continue reading →

• Choir of New College, Oxford – Missa brevis

  daletedder

  22 Jan 2012 | 7:25 am

  Tagged: Choir, Missa brevis, New Oxford

• Heidelberg Catechism: Lord’s Day 4 (God’s Justice)

  daletedder

  22 Jan 2012 | 7:13 am

  God’s Justice 9. Question: Is God, then, not unjust by requiring in His law what man cannot do? Answer: No, for God so created man that he was able to do it.[1] But man, at the instigation of the devil,[2] … Continue reading →

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  Christianity 201

• Advice to the Young, and the Young at Heart

  paulthinkingoutloud

  27 Jan 2012 | 4:22 pm

  “The young are permanently in a state resembling intoxication.” ~Aristotle After finding a devotional on David Kenney’s blog, I decided to check first and discovered that it’s only been a month since I first introduced his writing here; a little more recent than I would have liked; but if C201 does nothing more than introduce you to the blogging and writing of others, that’s fine with me.  (This one is also part of a series which is linked in the final paragraph of today’s selection.) He titled this one Advice For Young Men; but it occurred to me that while there…

• Issues: Righteous Violence

  paulthinkingoutloud

  26 Jan 2012 | 4:27 pm

  Part of living a life of Christ-following at the 201 or 301 level involves not only processing Bible text at a deeper level, but processing Bible application at a deeper level.  What do we do with social or political issues as they arise in light of Biblical teacing.  At the blog Dare to Live, we’re invited to consider Struggling with the Concept of Righteous Violence.  The article ends with a question, and I encourage you to click the link and respond at the author’s blog. I recently finished reading and discussing Paul’s letter to the Romans with a fellow blogger. I…

• Can Worship Be Defined in Terms of Experience?

  paulthinkingoutloud

  25 Jan 2012 | 5:30 pm

  Over the weekend, I brought my obsession with Eugene Peterson to my readers at Thinking Out Loud, but I wanted to share the quotation — which my wife graciously typed out for me — with readers here… For several days at Christianity 201, I’ve been sharing my excitement over discovering that Eugene Peterson The Message bible translator is also Eugene Peterson the author. For those of you who’ve known this secret for some time, I apologize for arriving late to the party. I’m reading The Jesus Way (Eerdman’s) and spreading the reading out over several…

• Following God’s Road Signs

  paulthinkingoutloud

  24 Jan 2012 | 4:32 pm

  Today’s post is by Janelle Keith, and appeared at her blog under the title Travel Companion.  Although this appeared as a post-Christmas mediation, I really liked the message it has for us all year round. Road signs tell us if we are going in the right direction.  They are also a marker of milestones passed.  They can mark our travel.  They outline highways and they designate halfway points, note miles to next destination.  They bring welcome relief to the weary with rest stops, refreshments, gas and overnight accommodations. I find it interesting in reading the books of the Old…

• A Vine Example

  paulthinkingoutloud

  23 Jan 2012 | 4:37 pm

  Today’s thoughts — and diagram — are from the devotional blog of professional writer Steven Sawyer, where he punned it as Grape Expectations. Jesus’ last lesson for His disciples was about grapes. Jesus had high expectations that His disciples would understand their responsibility to continue His ministry. On His way to the Garden of Gethsemane He explained how they could succeed in the mission He had given them by teaching them about grapes. Use your imagination with me for a minute.  Let’s put ourselves right in the crowd with Jesus and His disciples on their last…

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  Worthy Christian News

• What People Experienced in Church

  George Whitten

  26 Jan 2012 | 12:37 am

  By Joseph DeCaro, Worthy News Correspondent WASHINGTON D.C. (Worthy News)– The Barna Group recently surveyed Americans who attended church and reported on their worship experiences. Barna is a private, non-partisan, for-profit organization that conducts research, produces media resources about spiritual development and facilitates the spiritual growth of Christian ministries The survey found that connecting with God was the most important outcome facilitated by churches; most (66%) felt they had "a real and personal connection" with God while attending church, yet one-third of…

• Nigeria Christians Flee As Bombs, Shootings Claim 185 Lives

  George Whitten

  25 Jan 2012 | 4:45 am

  ABUJA, NIGERIA (Worthy News)– Christians are fleeing northern Nigeria where bomb blasts rocked the Bauchi and Kano states over the weekend, killing at least 185 people, including Christians, said rights activists and church officials. Militant Islamic group Boko Haram, or 'Western education is a sin', claimed responsibility for the multiple bombings and a shooting spree targeting the immigration services, police headquarters and State Security Service (SSS) building in Kano, claiming most reported lives. The group had threatened to unleash multiple blasts there after one of…

• Police persecute Christians in Sudan

  George Whitten

  25 Jan 2012 | 4:42 am

  By Joseph DeCaro, Worthy News Correspondent KHARTOUM, SUDAN (Worthy News)– Last week, sources told Compass News that Sudanese Police beat and arrested a church leader in Khartoum. Evangelist James Kat of the Evangelical Church of Sudan was arrested Jan. 17; officers beat Kat as they took him to a North Division police station where he was released on bail later that day. Kat's arrest came amid increasing harassment of Christians following last year's secession of South Sudan. In a letter to the Sudanese Presbyterian Evangelical Church leaders, Sudan's Ministry of Guidance…

• Syrian and Iranian Christians continue to face increasing persecution

  George Whitten

  25 Jan 2012 | 4:34 am

  By Joseph DeCaro, Worthy News Correspondent JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (Worthy News)– Syrian and Iranian Christians are being targeted for further persecution, according to Christian news reports. In an e-mail to The Jerusalem Post, Giulio Meotti, a journalist with Il Foglio, wrote: "After the ethnic cleansing of Jews in 1948 from the Arab countries, Islamic fundamentalism is now trying to push away the Christians from the region. They want to establish a pure Islamic environment and the mass exodus already began under our noses" "In Syria, Christians will be persecuted after…

• Muslims burn Copt homes and shops before Egyptian elections

  George Whitten

  25 Jan 2012 | 4:23 am

  by Joseph DeCaro, Worthy News Correspondent CAIRO, EGYPT (Worthy News)– Chanting "Allahu Akbar" a Muslim mob attacked the Coptic community of Kebly-Rahmaniya last week, burning down Christian houses, shops and businesses. According to the Assyrian International News Agency, Egyptian security forces didn't intervene in time to defend the Christians. Further, firefighters didn't arrive until 90 minutes after the mob attacked; by that time, most of the Copt's buildings were already in flames. According to some Copts, the violence against them came just before the…

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  Worthy Christian Devotional - Daily Devotion

• Be freed from a vision of freedom?!

  George Whitten

  26 Jan 2012 | 4:29 am

  by George Whitten, Editor of Worthy Devotions Acts 12:6-10 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out,…

• Be confident, He is our defense!

  George Whitten

  24 Jan 2012 | 6:04 am

  by George Whitten, Editor of Worthy Devotions. 2 Kings 6:15-17 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. As we press in…

• Rejoice, this is the day that the Lord has made!

  George Whitten

  23 Jan 2012 | 1:50 am

  Psalm 69:32 (YLT) The humble have seen–they rejoice, Ye who seek God–and your heart liveth. There is an important lesson here and in other places of God's Word, namely that humility and gladness go together. What do the humble and the joyous have in common? They both look up. The humble are those who don't look down on anyone. The truly humble look up all the time. They have to look up, because their eyes are on God, and He's above them. The joyous are always looking up as well, otherwise they wouldn't be rejoicing. The joyous are believing the Good News, so…

• Stop Pretending!

  George Whitten

  19 Jan 2012 | 1:43 pm

  by George Whitten, Editor of Worthy Devotions Psalms 56:2-4 Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High. What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. Some experts believe that acute stress can provoke changes in the heart that may lead to death. In one study, fifteen cases were identified in which people died after a physical assault, even though the injuries alone were not enough to kill them. Eleven of the fifteen showed a type of…

• What are you doing with your blessing?

  George Whitten

  13 Jan 2012 | 10:51 am

  by George Whitten, Editor of Worthy Devotions Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: When we read this passage of Scripture, the first thing that probably comes to mind are all the promises that God gave to Abraham and the nation of Israel. But it occurred to me that there is a bigger lesson that we can learn here. We tend to focus on the part of that scripture where God does the blessing — but why did He bless Him? The answer lies in the passage! The Lord told Abraham: "I will bless you…

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  Rey(es) of Light

• Christian? Yes. Religious? No.

  Patrick Reyes

  11 Jan 2012 | 8:12 pm

  This video made it’s way to me from my buddy Justin Brackett this morning.  WOW!  WOW!  WOW! In my mind, there is a difference between Christianity and Religion and this video from Jefferson Bethke gets at the heart of it. It’s funny that this video came right after I had read the verse below. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV Can you find power in weakness?

• My Top 12 of 2011

  Patrick Reyes

  30 Dec 2011 | 8:39 pm

  As 2011 comes to a close, I thought I’d join the blogger party and share with you my Top 12 posts from 2011.  Below, you’ll find my favorites from each month of this year.  Since I started blogging, this has been a great way to relive some of the memories, moments, thoughts and experiences I’ve had in the last 12 months.  Enjoy!!!! A Hopeful Change For The Better Are You Smarter Than A Second Grader Maybe Glenn Beck Was Right I’m A Christian And I’m Sorry Moments How Are You Leading This You.  That You. Throwing Stones First – Ask Questions Later See…

• Yes I Like Minivans

  Patrick Reyes

  21 Dec 2011 | 10:15 am

  If you were to ask me a few years ago if I liked minivans, I would have looked at you like you were crazy.  There was no way you’d catch me in the stereotypical family vehicle of choice.  That was until I had 4 kids of my own and a wife that extolled the benefits of said minivan. As luck would have it, my good friends Charlie and Elena Wollborg suggested The Suburban Collection and I connect for another one of their test drives.  Charlie and Elena drove a Cadillac SRX earlier this summer through this program and they were kind enough suggest me to Dan Boismier, head of all things…

• Peace On Earth

  Patrick Reyes

  17 Dec 2011 | 9:23 pm

  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:14 KJV) I just saw the Christmas service from Kensington Church tonight.  A few thoughts.  The 12 Days of Christmas will never be the same again for me.  I never thought Eminem would make his way into a church service.  I had 80′s flashbacks with Devo.  The arts team at KC is simply amazing. More than anything, the message was one of significance for me particularly as I continue to reflect on Christmas and what it means to me.  This year, the Kensington team went to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus…

• Coca-Cola Where Will Happiness Strike Next?

  Patrick Reyes

  14 Dec 2011 | 7:00 am

  I came across this little nugget from a work e-mail I received today and just had to share for the following reasons: It’s about the Philippines It’s about Coke It’s about the real meaning of Christmas As we get closer to December 25th, I’m hopeful all of us realize that our families are our greatest gift.  More important than any “thing” we get.  The memories of families are what last and not what we got back in 1982.

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  Bible Stories My Kids Love

• Where is that Coin

  24 Jan 2012 | 4:21 pm

  Jesus tells a story about a women who lost a coin and how she searched her home until she found it. From that story we learn many valuable lessons about our relationship with God and how He celebrates when we find him.Enjoy today's Bible Stories My Kids Love. MP3 File - Click Here to Download Podcast

• The Escape to Egypt

  11 Jan 2012 | 4:01 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

• The Sheppard's Christmas

  24 Dec 2011 | 3:51 pm

  The Sheppard's see an Angel and become the first to witness 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

• A Christmas Story - Wise Men and the Star

  13 Dec 2011 | 4:37 pm

  The Wise Men see a star and follow it, knowing that the prophecies of old were about to come true (from Matthew the first book of the New Testament.)Enjoy this special Christmas edition of Bible Stories My Kids Love. MP3 File - Click Here to Download Podcast

• Here Comes the Son

  2 Dec 2011 | 1:30 pm

  In today's Bible Stories My Kids Love hear about the prophecies that lead up to the birth of Jesus and how the fulfilling of these promises gave us the Greatest Gift of all.Enjoy the Bible Story and have a great Christmas season. MP3 File - Click Here to Download Podcast

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  (in)courage

• For When You Let Others Down

  Kristen Welch

  28 Jan 2012 | 12:10 am

  I opened the mail. In an instant, I was furious. I’ve been having some medical tests run lately to try and diagnose the chronic pain in my neck. One of the tests was faulty and had to be repeated. It involved needles and electrical current. And tears. So, when I received an $800 bill from a doctor I’d never seen-the one who read and declared the test faulty, I was mad. It was an insurance nightmare and on my fourth frustrated phone call, I lost it. I ranted and complained and whined to the billing lady on the other end. It was ugly. I was ugly. I got off the phone and it took…

• Not Perfect, But Well

  Lisa Whittle

  27 Jan 2012 | 12:20 am

  “What is it that keeps us from starting down the road to wholeness? It is not that God turns our contrite hearts away. It’s just that we do not always allow ourselves to go to such depth and vulnerability. Instead, we claw and grasp and reach and strain to stay afloat by our own efforts. All the while Jesus wants us to face the end of ourselves so He can fully begin.”  ~{w}hole {wholeness: soul wellness} There is no perfect life, no perfect marriage, family, or any earthly thing.  This, I know. And yet, there is a place inside of me that still wishes I can be – that today will be…

• Remembering Whose We Are

  Especially Heather

  27 Jan 2012 | 12:15 am

  I have written on this subject so many times, yet I still need to be reminded of it daily.  I need to be reminded that God only has my best at heart, even when He seems so far away.  I have been rereading a book (Stones of Remembrance) that I bought when I first found out that I had brain cancer.  Upon reading the things that I wrote in the margins, I wonder to myself “where did that girl go?” The girl that had rock solid faith. The girl that did not doubt, because she relied whole heartily on her Father. The girl that trusted her God through the worst diagnosis and prognosis…

• Reminder: (in)RL Video Submission Contest!

  Lisa-Jo

  27 Jan 2012 | 12:10 am

  We would like to remind you to take part in one of our (in)RL videos! Saturday, April 27th will be a time for you to meet up with old friends and new to spend a few hours in real life community. We’ll be providing video content that meetups can tune into, which explore the topic of gritty, beautiful, messy, real life community together. We want YOU to be a part of one of these videos! We’re looking for a video submission that reflects what community means to you. Here are the details for video submissions: Focus on Community: We would like for you to share what community looks…

• Pain That Scars

  Natasha Metzler

  27 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am

  She sat quiet and still with such deep pain etched on her face, it hurt to look at her. She did not say a word but her lack of speech said plenty. It said that she was having a hard time sleeping again. It said that she was feeling alone and sad and angry. It said that she wanted to crawl into a hole and protect herself from everything around her. It said that every breath that tore through her lungs was just a reminder that a tiny infant she carried for eight and a half months…never breathed. She was bleeding raw with a wound so deep and jagged it will be impossible for it to ever be…

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  Plough Publishing-Recent Articles

• Building on the Rock

  27 Jan 2012 | 2:22 am

  Convinced that the Sermon on the Mount is the most important blueprint for life, I've been discussing it with some other young people, and we are determined to build on the rock of faith by finding practical ways to live out these teachings, here and now.

• Made for Love

  26 Jan 2012 | 2:25 am

  This is the second part of an interview with the wife of Catholic philosopher Dietrich von Hildebrand on women's role in society, family, and in God's plan for the world.

• Hechos para el amor

  26 Jan 2012 | 2:24 am

  La tragedia del feminismo de hoy es que se basa en la mentira de que nosotras las mujeres estamos siendo engañadas.

• Zur Liebe geschaffen

  26 Jan 2012 | 2:23 am

  Frauen und Männer sind nach Gottes Bild und ihm gleich geschaffen; deshalb sind sie einander ebenbürtig. Ein Bekenntnis.

• God of the Impossible

  23 Jan 2012 | 8:56 am

  Through his own deeds, Jesus demonstrated that nothing was impossible for God. He performed mighty deeds that were human impossibilities. In this way he gave our faith a completely new direction.

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  Religion Dispatches - Stories

• A Nobel Prize for LGBT Civil Rights?

  Jay Michaelson

  26 Jan 2012 | 3:00 pm

  Today marks the one-year anniversary of the murder of Ugandan gay-rights advocate David Kato, 46, who was killed after months of right-wing threats; most notably being featured on the front page of a Ugandan right-wing newspaper...

• An Open Letter to Rabbi Dov Linzer on Modesty and Jewish Law

  Shaul Magid

  26 Jan 2012 | 2:00 pm

  While the Talmud dictates that both men and women dress modestly, the legal tradition that follows in its wake makes dress requirements for women much more rigid. Thus, the fact that in many Orthodox summer camps, or Kibbutzim, one can readily find young Orthodox men in shorts and T-shirts while young girls wear skirts and longer sleeves is not inconsequential. And how often are religious boys told, “Don’t wear that, it’s not tznius (modest)!”? Not very often. 

• How Anne Frank Turned Up At Occupy

  Peter Manseau

  25 Jan 2012 | 6:00 pm

  Throughout his 32-minute set, Mangum returned more than once to the sad fate of the teenage diarist, and in doing so he created a moment that seemed at once a communal high point of the movement and a peculiarly ominous sing-along, Kumbaya mashed up with catastrophe.

• Death of an Occult Crime Expert Reawakens Controversy

  Joseph Laycock

  24 Jan 2012 | 5:00 pm

  Rimer’s passing has led to an lively online conversation among Pagan and vampire groups. Many of these groups regarded Rimer as a political enemy and some individuals expressed relief that Rimer will not be holding any more seminars. However, important leaders of these communities have called for respect. One community member invoked Proverbs 24:17, “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls.”

• Zeroes and Sums: Is It Wrong to Praise Paul’s Positions?

  Peter Laarman

  20 Jan 2012 | 2:00 am

  In the Department of No Surprise, we report this week on the excommunication from polite conversation of one Ron Paul, the odd-man-out candidate for the Republican–presidential nomination. Odd man, because Paul is just his own oddly compounded self and stays that way.

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  Cheryl Cope |Christian Women's Weight Loss and Habit Change Coach

• Beneficial Broccoli?

  cheryl

  26 Jan 2012 | 3:00 am

  Beneficial Broccoli? As usual, I found some conflicting information while researching a nutritional subject. Over the literally four decades of my self study of nutrition I have come up against some huge controversies and debates in the nutritional community—eat meat, … Continue reading...

• Benefits of Exercise

  cheryl

  20 Jan 2012 | 3:00 am

  Benefits of Exercise There are plenty of benefits to exercising. Here is a partial list. Most of these apply to aerobic exercise. Print this out and post it in a prominent place to help keep you motivated. Knowing why isn’t … Continue reading...

• Hungarian Beef Stew

  cheryl

  18 Jan 2012 | 4:00 am

  Hungarian Beef Stew A recipe is only as “healthy” as its ingredients!! The best ingredients are fresh, organically grown/raised, non-processed with as little preservatives/additives added as possible. Even better are items in season, locally grown—check your local farmer’s markets. Best … Continue reading...

• God is Compassionate

  cheryl

  16 Jan 2012 | 4:00 am

  God is Compassionate Meditating on the attributes of God in order to get to know Him better… Definition of Compassionate: inclined to show mercy; having a heart that is tender and easily moved by the distresses, sufferings, wants and infirmities … Continue reading...

• Myths of Weight Loss—a free teleseminar

  cheryl

  13 Jan 2012 | 12:23 pm

  Myths of Weight Loss—a free teleseminar YOU are invited!!! Been confused by all the conflicting information given out everywhere about weight loss? Tried to lose weight in the past but it either didn’t work or the weight didn’t stay off? … Continue reading...

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  Life & Theology

• Creative Small Groups Video

  benlreed

  26 Jan 2012 | 4:04 am

  Thought I’d share a great small groups video I found. This one would be great to show on a Sunday morning to get people excited about signing up for a new small group. And the creators of the video have made it available, in editable form, for free! (links below) Happy video-sharing! To download this video, see below. Download the QuickTime format (.H264) - 320×240 – 11MB Download the QuickTime format (.H264) - 640×480 – 65MB Download the Flash Video (On2 VP6) - 11MB Download the project files (After Effects CS3, Final Cut Studio 2) - 430MB For info on how the…

• Palpable, conquerable fear

  benlreed

  25 Jan 2012 | 10:13 am

  image credit: Creation Swap user Jon Davis There are times in our lives where fear is as palpable as the key in the ignition of your car. You sit there, wondering if you really have to start the engine. You wonder if it would be easier to plant, unencumbered by the stress that awaits you the next time the engine will go silent. When the engine returns to its resting state, you’ll be much closer to the fear you dread. There are times in our lives where fear seems to grip our hearts so tightly it squeezes every the life out of each ounce of authentic, unconjured courage. Our past…

• Playing a Jedi mind trick on yourself

  benlreed

  23 Jan 2012 | 9:02 am

  image credit: creation swap user Ron Loveday I’m reading through the whole Bible this year, on the chronological plan via YouVersion. I might have started a little later than you did, but this plan is a great way to read through the entirety of Scripture. But can I be honest with you? Sometimes when I read, my eyes gloss over, I finish reading, and I have no idea what I’ve read. I know, I know…not very holy, right? Not what you’d expect of a pastor. A pastor should 100% internalize every passage…nay, every word. Pastors should read a passage, and instantly be able to…

• Evernote for travel: 5 new uses

  benlreed

  20 Jan 2012 | 4:04 am

  image via iStock Photo user: Maurits Vink I’ve written a few times about my love of Evernote. I’m a big fan. I use it in so many ways, and it’s become my go-to app for writing, idea generation, travel plans, meeting notes, and collaboration. I wanted to share a couple of new ways I’m using it. Last week, I led a missions team to Costa Rica. Evernote helped in big ways. Next time you travel, I think it will help you, too. Using Evernote for traveling 1. In coordination with IdeaPaint I shared last time that I had a white board sticker that I put on my wall. The only…

• 5 Dangers of the “Complainer”

  benlreed

  19 Jan 2012 | 4:04 am

  Can I tell you something about yourself? You know a complainer. The guy that, no matter what happens, no matter how good or bad a situation, he’s going to find a way to be upset about something. The girl that is constantly down on whatever you, or anyone else, does. image credit: CreationSwap user Alan Belcher They’re good at tearing people down, discouraging an entire team, and slowing growth. Here’s the reality: there is always something to complain about. Life is often exceedingly difficult. Organizations are often in decline. Things seemingly couldn’t get worse. If…

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  Naty Matos's Blog

• Don’t wait to say I love you

  Naty Matos

  27 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

  I want to share with you a very personal story about one of my favorite Aunts. I have a huge family although it doesn’t seem so. I have cousins, aunts and uncles that I have not met and probably never will that’s how big my family is. We’re just not one of those close families, but if we decided to do a family reunion, we sure would need a stadium to hold it. This particular aunt and my mother kept a close relationship telephonically as we were geographically ways apart. It was more than ten years ago and I was going through a very rough time and I needed to go away. I was at my…

• Whose fault is it?

  Naty Matos

  25 Jan 2012 | 7:38 am

  Look at the picture above. It is one of our favorite mental pictures. It is very easy for us to assign responsibility to others when things go wrong, but do we think what our part in the process was? If we look at the hand, there’s one finger pointing outward and three inward. If you’re doing the pointing there are three fingers pointing at you. Some things are out of our control in life; I’m not negating that…but it’s not as many as we tend to think. Have you heard yourself say things like: this person makes me feel (angry, upset, irritable) or made me (eat, scream, nag, throw…

• Book Review: The Elite of the Weak by Precarious Yates

  Naty Matos

  23 Jan 2012 | 7:20 am

  I admit that I’m not an “end of times” type of person, in terms of the biblical context. I do love movies like Armageddon and all the end of times things Hollywood puts out there. Maybe because somewhere inside of me I think that the bible version of it is the real deal, so it’s too real for me and Hollywood is not, so it makes me feel better just to see the meteors explode and that kind of thing. Even then, I ventured to read the book “The Elite of the Weak” by my friend, Author Precarious Yates. This book has non stop action. As Christians we talk a lot about being in a war and…

• WF: Blessed be your name

  Naty Matos

  20 Jan 2012 | 5:33 pm

  I don’t know how is it where you are… Where I am is cold, rainy and windy. After a short week for some, a long and arduous for others; we need to remember that God gave us each and every one of those days, the ones filled with sun, the ones filled with rain, the warm ones and the cold ones, the happy ones and the challenging ones…and in all of them let’s make the choice to bless HIS name! Happy Friday! WF: Worship Friday Don’t forget, you only have a few hours left to take advantage of obtaining your copy of Growth Lessons for just $1.99.

• Technology in our relationship with God

  Naty Matos

  19 Jan 2012 | 8:55 am

  So I arrive at church, lighter than I usually do these days. I used to carry this big bag with my bible and my notebook, but not anymore. I sit no farther than the third row and see the person next to me with their Ipad getting ready for service…it’s a new world out there. The reality is that technology has change the methods that we use for worship and bible study. I can’t deny that I have jumped into some of those wagons and I’m not sure that I could turn back unless I had to. The internet has invaded out lives, which is not necessarily a negative thing. It has allowed us…

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  Sincerely Christian

• the wages of suet

  Allen

  27 Jan 2012 | 3:11 pm

  For the wages of suet are death (for a bird-feeder).

• state of the union for squirrels

  Allen

  25 Jan 2012 | 9:25 am

  Have and soon to have?

• owning your life

  Allen

  24 Jan 2012 | 1:03 pm

  (ala Ezra 5.7-17) This is your life.  For good, for bad, it’s yours.   Subsequently, for a person of faith, it’s also more than that — it’s not just yours; it’s God’s as well.  And the way to approach life is to own that — to own that your life belongs both to God, but also [...]

• still a fan

  Allen

  15 Jan 2012 | 4:18 pm

  Still a fan … just warmer!

• Winter’s Storms Bring Spring’s Fruit

  Allen

  10 Jan 2012 | 5:28 pm

  Somehow the things that happen to us shape us, either for the worst or the better, or sometimes and ideally both. Mother Amma Theodora (quoted in Common Prayer:  A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals) noted how the trees couldn’t bear fruit in the Spring, were it not for the Winter’s storms. Though our house sits in [...]

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  mnphysicists theological blog

• God told me to run… Discernment

  Ron Amundson

  19 Jan 2012 | 4:30 am

  Yep, even comedians like Jay Leno are having a bit of a field day over 3 republican candidates leaving the campaign trail being that all of them said God told them to run… Some atheist friends are having a field day with this as well. Likewise, some Christians are wiggling around a bit, and saying, “Well God just told them to run, not that they were going to win” I dont see a point in continuing to raise the noise floor with speculation, but I do think its worth discussing discernment a bit. God told me you need to do this or that! For years, I used to hear from folks that,…

• The I Hate Religion but Love Jesus Video, A Response

  Ron Amundson

  15 Jan 2012 | 12:21 am

  Its huge… from when I first got a link to it on Tuesday and it had just under 300 views to last time I checked this afternoon when it hit 10,000,000 it’s definitely struck a nerve with a lot of folks. I think its an incredibly cool video… and it likely will bring a whole lot of seekers and folks who had wandered from the church back into it. I pray the church does receive them. Yet, there are those who dont get it. Its sad really… folks on the one hand will take offense when Jefferson (the video’s author) brought up the bit about God not loving the single mom. No…

• Star Distance Measurements and Genesis

  Ron Amundson

  31 Dec 2011 | 9:09 pm

  Some questions were asked on star measurements and the age of the universe in a forum I hang out at. Being I taught observational astronomy for a bit, I figured ok I can chime in on this… So, here we go with star measurement methodologies. 1. For nearby stars one uses geometry based upon the earths rotation around the sun. The math and measurement approach is solid. It can be observed in ones own backyard with very modest equipment. The observational data is then modeled and a distance is calculated. The geocentric worldview which was derived from the scriptures was in conflict with…

• Faith Stumbling, Protectionsim, & Mark 9:42

  Ron Amundson

  27 Aug 2011 | 9:55 am

  A somewhat recurrent them is that those young in the faith need protection. This seems to be backed up by Mark 9:42 where Jesus talks about not causing a little one to stumble and the millstone around the neck deal Many have used such a verse to such to foster indoctrination and/or sheltering from the beliefs of others. In some cases, such has even been used to justify the creation of falsehoods about others. I’m of the opinion Mark 9;42 is connected to the rest of the chapter where in we have Jesus referencing body parts as to the cause of stumbling. I find it exceedingly interesting…

• The Guise of Purity

  Ron Amundson

  13 Aug 2011 | 6:27 am

  @khad wrote the other day, “The guise of purity is a good mask for corruption. Perhaps mostly because it discourages inquiry.” I’m thinking how true this is… moral high roads present near impenetrable barriers , few if any question them, and if they do, bam they get shot down. That is, until light eventually illuminates the road. At that point, one can see whether such is indeed a moral high road, or merely one heck of a good game show… and it does seem to be the case there are lots of game shows. I ame across the following from Leontius, Bishop of Neapolis. He…

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  Five Stones

• Can Great Music be Christian Music?

  John

  23 Jan 2012 | 9:05 pm

  When you think of the greatest music ever recorded do you think of The Beatles? Mozart? What about Christian music? If you consider Christian music at all you probably think first of the songs you hear on K-LOVE, the nationally syndicated Christian radio station. You might consider some of the great hymns like “Amazing Grace.” [...]

• Why Self Publishing My Book is the Right Path

  John

  23 Jan 2012 | 8:05 am

  After a brief break from blogging, I’m back to report that my book, “Five Stones for Christians in Crisis” wil be available on Amazon.com in about two weeks. The book is a game plan for those struggling through a crisis in their lives and expands on a lot of the content in this blog. I [...]

• Reset: Helping Christians through Crisis

  John

  19 Jan 2012 | 10:36 am

  I’m back! After taking a few months off from blogging, I completed my book, which was the entire basis of starting this blog in the first place. The book, “Five Stones for Christians in Crisis,” should be ready for purchase on Amazon.com in a week or so. In the meantime, I’m back blogging on how [...]

• The Best Question You Should Ask Yourself

  John

  27 Oct 2011 | 7:39 am

  Who are you? That sounds like an odd question but it’s the best question you could ever ask yourself. If you don’t know who you are, then your life is really like a pinball, jumping from place-to-place and merely reacting to life. I’ve asked that question to myself many times in the last two years [...]

• The Truth on Christians and the Divorce Rate

  John

  19 Oct 2011 | 8:39 am

  Do Christians divorce at the same rate as the general population? Many seem to think so, including this writer for the Christian website Focus on the Family: “Unfortunately, the divorce rate in the church is comparable to that of the culture at large.” But that writer is wrong. If you ask someone to check a [...]

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  Counterpoint Cafe

• On praying expectantly

  rushyama

  25 Jan 2012 | 2:19 pm

  A great scholar has given a beautiful definition of waiting upon God: “To wait is not merely to remain impassive. It is to expect — to look for with patience, and also with submission. It is to long for, but not impatiently; to look for, but not to fret at the delay; to watch for, but not restlessly; to feel that if He does not come we will acquiesce, and yet to refuse to let the mind acquiesce in the feeling that He will not come.” . . . Once more, one who lives in the spirit of prayer will spend much time in retired and intimate communion with God. It is by such a…

• Glorious uncertainty

  rushyama

  22 Jan 2012 | 2:00 am

  “Naturally, we are inclined to be so mathematical and calculating that we look upon uncertainty as a bad thing. We imagine that we have to reach some end, but that is not the nature of spiritual life. The nature of spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty, consequently we do not make our nests anywhere. Common sense says — “Well, supposing I were in that condition…” We cannot suppose ourselves in any condition we have never been in. Certainty is the mark of the common-sense life: gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of…

• Quietude for a Snowpocalypse

  rushyama

  20 Jan 2012 | 2:23 pm

  We’ve been snowed in for the last week here in Seattle. Our weather was so unusual that even BBC picked up on it. Now don’t go making fun of us (thanks David) for being weather wimps. LA’s already done that. Even if we do whine a lot when anything non-transparent falls from the sky, hey — we’ve got hills. Lots of hills. And this is definitely the most snow I’ve ever seen hit my hometown. Anyways, thanks to the unexpected free time I finally had no excuse to not organize my music and try out my new recorder. I found this old favorite while sifting through…

• Running back up the sunbeam to the sun

  rushyama

  8 Jan 2012 | 2:00 am

  “Pleasures are shafts of glory as it strikes our sensibility . . . But aren’t there bad, unlawful pleasures? Certainly there are. But in calling them “bad pleasures” I take it we are using a kind of shorthand. We mean “pleasures snatched by unlawful acts.” It is the stealing of the apples that is bad, not the sweetness. The sweetness is still a beam from the glory . . . I have tried since . . . to make every pleasure into a channel of adoration. I don’t mean simply by giving thanks for it. One must of course give thanks, but I meant something…

• Don Cherry’s piano desk: not so far-fetched!

  rushyama

  3 Jan 2012 | 4:06 pm

  A week or so ago, several friends pointed me to this amusing clip of Canadian hockey commentator Don Cherry: For those of us who’d like a similar piano desk to punctuate our arguments, well — perhaps it’s not such a far-fetched idea! Check out this microphone that transforms any surface into a touch screen:

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  PRO WORSHIP TECHNICS

• 6 More Handy Android Apps to Support Your Songwriting

  20 Jan 2012 | 10:54 am

  It’s been a while since I blogged about songwriting or Android, so in this post, I’ll cover some of the Android apps I’ve recently discovered that would be useful for songwriters in particular. If you haven’t checked out the previous posts on this topic, you can do so now by clicking here and here.   Dictionary - Merriam-Webster Great app to get word ideas when searching for alternative

• How About Jimi Hendrix in Your Worship Team?

  16 Jan 2012 | 7:31 am

  You’d have read recently that Jimi Hendrix was named the best guitar player in history by Rolling Stone magazine in a top-10 list put together by guitar players and music experts. The list has some expected names like Eddie Van Halen, Pete Townshend, Eric Clapton etc. though the sequencing didn’t seem so right to me. You see, I have an awfully subjective mind and it’s unable to understand why

• Worship Freebies (Rend Collective, Graham Kendrick, Matt Papa, Hillsong…)

  11 Jan 2012 | 8:58 am

  This list of freebies has MP3 download of songs by Kristian Stanfill, Rend Collective Experiment, Aaron Keys, Jared Anderson etc. Also get an entire album of 13 songs by All About Worship, 2 video tutorials (Hillsong, MattRedman) and more. Check it out! Album: All About Worship Collective (Volume 2) by Matt Papa, Sovereign Grace etc. Download the entire album via Noisetrade. 13 free

• A Music Player for Musicians to Help Learn and Practice Songs

  6 Jan 2012 | 10:35 am

  Musician who have challenges identifying the chords/notes of a song should check out this neat application. It’s a java based music player that packs some unconventional features to help you go beyond simply listening to a song. It’s lightweight, doesn’t even require an installation as it’s an executable JAR file – so all you have to do is simply double-click the JAR file to get going. Sounds

• Guitar How-To Learn to Play Worship Songs on Guitar For Free

  1 Jan 2012 | 10:26 am

  Remember Brian Wahl, the indie worship leader/songwriter from North Carolina? There’s a review of his worship album “You Have Rescued Me” posted here sometime ago. Brian has recently launched a fabulous free online resource called “Worship Tutorials”, dedicated to helping those who wish to learn and play worship songs on the guitar – kinda similar to “Guitar Praise” and “For Your Glory.” The

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  Bible Prophecy Blog

• In Defense of Israel

  BibleProphecyBlog.com

  27 Jan 2012 | 10:46 am

  By Hal Lindsey The Hal Lindsey Report Last week, I reported on an upcoming conference of liberal theologians and ministers (mostly American) and Palestinian Christians. The conference is called "Christ at the Checkpoint" and will convene in March in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. Because the event promises to be nothing more than a naked attempt to de-legitimize the state of Israel

• Croatia Says YES to EU Accession

  BibleProphecyBlog.com

  26 Jan 2012 | 10:58 am

  By Arno Froese Midnight Call Ministries Croatians voted in favor of joining the European Union on 22 January in a popular referendum that will see it become the 28th member state. Of those who did show up to the polls, around 68 percent voted for the accession despite concerns over economic turmoil in Europe and ambivalence over a possible loss of sovereignty. Accession still needs to be

• Ezekiel 35, the Arab-Israeli War Before Ezekiel 38

  BibleProphecyBlog.com

  25 Jan 2012 | 3:07 pm

  By Bill Salus ProphecyDepot.com Many end times experts believe the “Gog of Magog” invasion described in Ezekiel 38 and 39 is nearing the time of its prophetic fulfillment. Russia’s seemingly inseparable alliance with Iran, Turkey’s increased disdain toward Israel, and Libya’s uncertain future all suggest that the stage is rapidly setting for the fulfillment of the Magog invasion of

• Muslim Brotherhood Takes Egypt's Parliament

  BibleProphecyBlog.com

  25 Jan 2012 | 11:58 am

  By Dr. Chuck Missler Koinonia House The Muslim Brotherhood won elections in the new Egyptian government with 235 seats in the 498 seat interim People's Assembly earlier this month. The Brotherhood is reportedly not as extreme as other groups like the hardline Salafists, but Islamists as a whole took nearly three-quarters of the assembly seats. The new chamber speaker, Saad Katatni, will

• Is Netanyahu's Patience with Iran Running Out?

  BibleProphecyBlog.com

  24 Jan 2012 | 2:56 pm

  By Joel C. Rosenberg JoelRosenberg.com Does Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu think the West is taking decisive action to stop Iran from getting the Bomb, or does he think the West is fiddling while Tel Aviv runs the rising risk of burning? That’s the Big Question as tensions continue to mount in the epicenter this week. Iran is making new threats to close the Strait of Hormuz to oil

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  Writing for the Master

• Old News That's Still Fresh - January 2012

  24 Jan 2012 | 5:55 am

  I've recently posted some new blogs to this site that I want to make you aware of.First, perhaps the most exciting one is Dare to Believe.  It's a holy dare that's sure to change your life.I'd also like to bring to your attention Lifting Hands in Prayer that explains the importance of this biblical practice and its connection to "The Lord Our Banner."Keeping Sundays Holy is a follow up to a previous blog about whether Christians need to obey the fourth commandment.  It includes a book excerpt from a credible Korean pastor that claims Jesus told him how serious and dangerous it is…

• Old News That's Still Fresh

  14 Dec 2011 | 5:34 am

  For those of you who are following this blog, I'd like to tell you about some of the latest blogs I've posted on Writing for the Master.Do you want to Be a Star for Jesus?  I do.  Find out what that means and how you can shine forever.Williams Carey was an English missionary who made a tremendous sacrifice to reach India with the gospel.  In Candle in the Dark, I show how his pioneer work made a tremendous impact on India for Christ that is still evident today. This will encourage and inspire you in your service to Christ. I stand in awe of the broad International Impact of…

• Collection of My Blogs

  8 Jun 2011 | 3:26 pm

  As I've been writing for the Master over the years and publishing my material online, I've developed numerous blogs. My Master is Jesus Christ, God's Son. And this site contains a collection of my best and most popular blogs in one place, so that anyone who would like to browse my material can more easily find what they are looking for. I hope you will enjoy what you find here! Feel free to contact me, if you'd like to, through the website listed at the bottom.Below you will find the names of my blogs, and beneath each title you will find links to the posts within each blog.A Pleasing…

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  Relief: A Christian Literary Expression

• 5.2 Is On Its Way!

  Brad Fruhauff

  11 Jan 2012 | 8:50 pm

  Issue 5.2 Issue 5.2 is officially printed and on its way! We’ve had our setbacks, as seems inevitable in this business, but we’re really proud of the work we have in this issue. Thanks to all the work by our authors, editors, interns, and especially our techie, Ian Philpot.

• Kafka on Reading Books

  Brad Fruhauff

  2 Jan 2012 | 5:00 am

  I just finished listening to Krista Tippet’s interview with Walter Brueggemann, which was interesting on many levels, not the least for this quote by Kafka on reading books. If only we could always read the Bible as the “ax for the frozen sea within us”! The best literature, and the kind of thing we strive to publish in Relief, will disrupt our habitual lives and refresh our orientation to the world – and to the Scriptures.

• One Last Push: Special eBook Sale until Jan. 1

  Brad Fruhauff

  29 Dec 2011 | 10:29 pm

  Issue 5.2 We are taking 5.2 to print, but before we do we want to offer you one last chance to get your copy at the discounted rate. As a little incentive, we’d like to throw in a free eBook copy of issue 5.1, featuring poetry by David Holper, creative nonfiction by Leslie Leyland Fields and Samuel Thomas Martin, and fiction by Margot Patterson, among others. This will give you something to read while you await poetry by Scott Cairns and Julie L. Moore, fiction by Thomas Allbaugh and Joshua Hren, and creative nonfiction by Jean Hoefling and Chely Roach. Actually, we’re offering…

• Hand-made Christmas

  Brad Fruhauff

  23 Dec 2011 | 6:00 am

  Thanks to Relief intern Lyle Enright for sharing this Christmas memory with us. N.B.: Lyle won the Trinity College Chapel “My Best Christmas Story” contest with a longer version of this. When you’re little, life can usually be defined by whatever consistently holds your attention moment by moment. At five years old, my life revolved around trains and dinosaurs – trains because they were awesome, dinosaurs because they ate people, symbols of the total masculinity I exemplified at that age (so no, I didn’t believe in girl dinosaurs). Mom was studying counseling psychology…

• Pinging a Post-Conversion Scrooge

  Brad Fruhauff

  21 Dec 2011 | 7:45 pm

  Scrooge meets Ignorance & Want What does Relief want for Christmas? The same thing we want every year: money. Not for ourselves, of course – we’re still an all-volunteer staff – but to keep us solvent and able to offer high-quality print books in our lo-tech virtual world. We’re also a 501(c)3 non-profit, so when we ask for money the government is looking over our shoulders to make sure it goes back into the business – no stockholders or CEOs to pay off, here, which is why you’re not likely to see an Occupy Relief anytime soon. But the fact of the…

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  JESUSCARITASEST.ORG

• TODAY'S SAINT : JAN. 28 : ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

  JesusCaritasEst

  27 Jan 2012 | 11:13 pm

  St. Thomas AquinasCONFESSOR, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCHFeast: January 28 Information:Feast Day:January 28Born:1225, Roccasecca, in Lazio, ItalyDied:7 March 1274, Fossanuova Abbey, ItalyCanonized:July 18, 1323, Avignon, FranceMajor Shrine:Church of the Jacobins, Toulouse, FrancePatron of:Catholic universities, colleges, and schoolsThe great outlines and all the important events of his life are known, but biographers differ as to some details and dates. Death prevented Henry Denifle from executing his project of writing a critical life of the saint. Denifle's friend and pupil, Dominic Prummer, O.P.,…

• VATICAN : POPE : CDF ECUMENICAL DIALOGUE AND OTHER NEWS

  JesusCaritasEst

  27 Jan 2012 | 2:42 pm

  THE RENEWAL OF FAITH MUST BE A PRIORITY FOR CHURCH  TODAYVATICAN  CITY, 27 JAN 2012 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican the Holy Father  received participants in the plenary session of the Congregation for the  Doctrine of the Faith, whom he thanked for their service to the Church,  particularly in view of the forthcoming Year of Faith. "As we  know", he said in his remarks to them, "in vast areas of the earth  the faith risks being extinguished, like a flame without fuel. We are facing  a profound crisis of faith, a loss of a religious sense which…

• EUROPE : FOOTBALL SPORTS HERO TO BECOME PRIEST

  JesusCaritasEst

  27 Jan 2012 | 2:38 pm

  CATHOLIC HERALD REPORT: By Ed West on Friday, 27 January 2012 Mulryne during his Manchester United days (Tom Honan/EMPICS Sport)A former Manchester United footballer is training to become a priest. Phil Mulryne, who was once a teammate of Ryan Giggs and David Beckham, has enrolled at the Pontifical Irish College in Rome.The former Northern Ireland international midfielder was invited into the priesthood by Bishop Noel Treanor of Down and Connor after leaving the sport and becoming involved in charitable activities.Mulryne, 34, began his career with the Manchester United youth team in…

• AMERICA : GETTING WOMEN OFF THE STREETS THROUGH CHRIST

  JesusCaritasEst

  27 Jan 2012 | 2:36 pm

  CBN REPORTS: Victims for the Long HaulBy Heather SellsCBN News ReporterDespite the growing awareness of sex trafficking in the United States, there are still just a handful of shelters for victims. Even the experts admit they're only beginning to learn how to best help them. At the same time, grassroots activists are springing up in and around churches around the country. They want to help fight trafficking and many are interested in opening shelters. CBN News recently visited one of the few faith-based shelters in the United States. Hope House is located in a remote area of North Carolina…

• ASIA : KOREA : RELIGIOUS LEADERS UNITE AGAINST BULLYING

  JesusCaritasEst

  27 Jan 2012 | 2:15 pm

  UCAN REPORT|: Suicide of teenager sparks anti-violence campaign as rights law meets opposition   ucanews.com staff, SeoulKoreaJanuary 27, 2012Religious leaders appealing for an end to school violence (photo: Daegu Metropolitan Office of Education)Religious leaders have agreed to join forces to try and combat the growing menace of bullying at school following the suicide of a middle school student in Daegu in December.Although suicides are not uncommon in Korea the death of the boy, surnamed Kim, made headlines because of the long suicide note he left his parents expressing his love…

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  Kenny Silva

• Elephants and Arguments

  Kenny Silva

  16 Jan 2012 | 9:35 am

  Tell me if this situation sounds familiar… You hear it through the grapevine that a friend of yours, lets call him Johnny, said something you don’t quite agree with. Wether he was talking about politics, theology, or sports it doesn’t really matter. From Johnny’s point of view, he didn’t do anything wrong. He was acting in accord with his convictions and had the best intentions in mind. In fact, we can assume that most people would actually have agree with what he said. In your point of view, however, he was wrong. Now, rather than going to the source and asking Johnny about it,…

• Fear Makes You Want to Take a Bite Out of God

  Kenny Silva

  1 Dec 2011 | 3:00 pm

  I have a beautiful 16 week old puppy named Cooper. Here’s his picture. I give you full permission to make whatever ohhh and awe signs that you feel are necessary. He is quite the cutie pie. As you could imagine, I love this little guy and spoil him rotten as I would imagine most loving dog-owners do. He gets the best food, lots of fun toys, and an ample amount of quality time with Daddy. He’s my little man and, in my house, he is richly provided for. About a month ago, Cooper developed a serious case of food aggression. If you’re not familiar with that, what essentially…

• Show Your Work

  Kenny Silva

  14 Nov 2011 | 11:47 am

  Big thanks to Joey Strawn for teasing this long overdue blog post out of me this morning… I’ve always been good at math. Something about my right-brain sees numbers and situations and enjoys making sense of them. My problem, however, is that my right-brain is so fixed on solutions and results that I tend to completely neglect the process. I’ll get you the right answer, but good luck getting me to show the work. This is the reason why my 12th grade Calculus teacher absolutely hated me. Exit the high school and enter the big classroom that we call life; this approach is great for…

• BarCamp: The unConference for the unGeek

  Kenny Silva

  2 Oct 2011 | 11:26 pm

  This is the next stop on this year’s BarCamp Blog Tour. Check out yesterday’s post from Bayard Saunders here. In two weeks, BarCamp:Nashville will be making its way back to Lower Broadway’s Cadillac Ranch. What’s a BarCamp, you ask? Well, here’s the official description. BarCamp has become the premier technology conference in Nashville, bringing together the best minds and representation of the hottest companies in the internet, entrepreneurial, new media, and software industries, among others… Sounds like you need work in technology in order to attend,…

• Quit Hitting Yourself

  Kenny Silva

  21 Sep 2011 | 8:43 am

  When we were kids, my brother and I used to fight from time to time. He was great at this one particular move where he would grab my arm and proceed to beat on me with my own hand. Surely enough, he’d taunt me with these words, “Quit hitting yourself!” I know you know what I’m talking about. Remember the story; it’ll come in handy later on. Something About Me I love words (says the writer.) Words have great power over me. Wether I’m in a classroom, at a concert, or sitting in a small group the words spoken and sung in those environments have a dramatic…

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  Christian Life Coach - Quentin McCall - Knowledge 4 Life

• Do You Hide Behind Faith to Avoid Having a Relationship?

  Quentin McCall

  19 Jan 2012 | 10:30 am

  Often people rationalize their singleness with the fact that God is not ready for them to be married or He has not yet sent “the one.” If you are someone who reads my work often, you know I champion the cause of singleness and truly believe it is the season, in which, we prepare for marriage. Thus, it is very important for us to enjoy our singleness and be “the one” we seek to have. In my article “9 Reasons Singleness is Good for You,” I discussed the beauty of being single and how important it is to be truly single and whole before God. Yet, sometimes Christian Singles find…

• 27 Things You Need To Know About Courtship

  Quentin McCall

  12 Jan 2012 | 6:03 am

  Courting is not the same as dating. The purpose, value, or meaning of courting is often misunderstood in today’s society. Courting is step two on the road to marriage (with step one being dating). 23 Things You Need To Know About Dating Contemporary courtship is when couples decide to move into a deeper friendship and relationship, with marriage being the end goal. When courting is present, two people have agreed together as one to intentionally and deliberately say, “we are courting to get married.” They have moved past simply getting to know each other without sex, physical touch, or…

• 23 Things You Need to Know About Dating

  Quentin McCall

  11 Jan 2012 | 5:03 pm

  There is no Biblical position on dating and many people have varying opinions about it (including Pastors, Ministers, and the like). I would like to share my thoughts on the matter. I feel dating should be approached with boundaries and in a way that helps us become better people. Dating can help you learn what you do and do not like, but only if you maintain clear and healthy boundaries. Dating is an activity for getting to know people. It’s not for sex and using people to numb your pain or aloneness. In our contemporary times, many people date for sex or companionship or a variety of…

• 7 Types of Women Every Man Should Date (A Deeper Look Part 1)

  Quentin McCall

  20 Dec 2011 | 8:02 am

  Thank you! I am so humbled by what has happened in the Knowledge4Life Community in the last 2 weeks. You all made 2 blogs go viral! 7 Types of Women Every Man Should Date and 7 Types of Men Every Woman Should Date have been shared over 50,000 times on Facebook alone! Wow! Truly amazing! Also, I want to say “WELCOME”! We added 1,709 new members to our Knowledge4Life Community and have grown to over 5,000 members. What a blessing! So, WELCOME to all of our newest members! Thank you so much for reading and sharing the blogs. I appreciate each of you.             None of this…

• 9 Terrible Reasons To Get Married

  Quentin McCall

  13 Dec 2011 | 11:28 am

  I get questions all the time from married people and those who have recently divorced. Additionally, after counseling 100’s over the years, once I was able to get to the root of many of their problems, I’ve noticed a common theme. It relates to the honest reason of why they got married in the first place. I think a lot of you would be surprised at how dishonest people are about the real reason they got married. In counseling sessions, people tend to lie at first and then later admit the truth as I lead them down the path of personal accountability. In my opinion, if most people invested…

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  SCOAN London

• ‘Your Relationship With Jesus’ – An Inspiring Message From T.B. Joshua

  SCOAN London

  18 Jan 2012 | 1:59 pm

  Emmanuel! Here is a summary of key points from the message preached by Prophet T.B. Joshua on Sunday 15th January 2012, titled, ‘Your Relationship With Jesus’.We pray God would open your heart to His Word as you read, and inspire you to not just be a hearer of the Word but a doer! John 21:15-17 – Jesus asked Peter one of the most significant and penetrating – in fact, one of the most dangerous questions ever asked: ‘Do you love Me?’ Three times, Jesus asked Peter, ‘Do you love Me?’ Three times, Peter answered, ‘You know I love You.’ Three times Jesus responded…

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: God Healed Me!

  SCOAN London

  10 Jan 2012 | 10:50 am

  At a tender age and in the height of her academic pursuits, Liliosa’s life literally turned upside down. Smitten by a strange and sudden ailment, almost every day became a gruelling battle amidst pain and painkillers. It was rheumatoid arthritis, a disease normally associated with people in the latter stages of their life and one with no known medical cure. In the midst of her physical frailty, Liliosa also faced challenges in her marriage. Here is her remarkable story of restoration through Jesus Christ– one that touched her physical body, spiritual life and marital home. Hospitalised…

• 2012: The Year Of Comeback – T.B. Joshua’s New Year Message

  SCOAN London

  2 Jan 2012 | 6:33 pm

  Emmanuel! Happy New Year 2012, a year Prophet T.B. Joshua has termed ‘The Year Of Comeback’! Here are some key points from the message preached at The SCOAN Candlelight Service on December 31st 2011, as seen on Emmanuel TV: 2012 is the year of comeback! That is, come back to worship God in spirit and truth. A comeback is a return to a place of significance, a place that was lost for a period of time. In the year 2011, we worshiped our possessions rather than the Giver. This New Year is a year of comeback to worship the Giver. Sometimes, we need to hear about others setback and…

• SCOAN Candlelight Service Live On Emmanuel TV!

  SCOAN London

  29 Dec 2011 | 8:11 am

  This Saturday 31st December 2011, we encourage you to catch the fire and join Prophet T.B. Joshua LIVE on Emmanuel TV to enter the New Year 2012 in a powerful time of prayer and praise! SCOAN London Venue If you are based in the UK, we warmly invite you to our special New Year’s Eve service at the Thistle Hotel, Heathrow in London from 10pm to 1am where we will link up live to the service in SCOAN Lagos and pray with T.B. Joshua into the New Year 2012. Please CLICK HERE for full details and directions! In preparation, here is a video of last year’s service at The SCOAN…

• SCOAN UK Christmas Greetings!

  SCOAN London

  25 Dec 2011 | 3:15 am

  Emmanuel! On behalf of SCOAN UK, we wish you all a very merry Christmas! This season, we encourage you to pray to the Holy Spirit: O Holy Spirit, impress Your law in my heart O Holy Spirit, pour into me the treasure of Your grace O Holy Spirit, enlighten me with your Divine inspiration O Holy Spirit, inspire in me the practice of virtues O Holy Spirit, grant me the grace of all virtues Remember, without Jesus Christ there would be no Christmas. God so loved us that He planted His best Seed in the earth so that His peace might abide with men forever. The seed gave Himself up as a living…

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  Kristine Remixed

• The Road So Far

  kristinemac

  26 Jan 2012 | 7:13 pm

  You are on a  journey. The destination isn't a surprise. You do know where you're going to end up eventually. But it's the trip that's makes you a little unsure. Traveling through unfamiliar territory. You have a map. There are even helpful road signs along the way to let you know you've not gone off the beaten path. And yes, you can see where your'e going for awhile but eventually there is a bend. The road disappears beyond some trees. You have an idea of what lies ahead but there could be something new. Unexpected. What awaits around the corner could be a…

• DVD Review: A Mile in His Shoes

  kristinemac

  21 Jan 2012 | 6:52 pm

  Imagine that you are the manager of a losing, minor league baseball team in Ohio when you run across a pitching phenom by accident—who also happens to have Asperger's Syndrome. How do you convince the kid, his parents, and your team, that being a little different can be a good thing? A Mile in His Shoes (from the director of Angels in the Outfield, starring Dean Cain and Luke Schroder) answers that question in this family film based on the novel The Legend of Mickey Tussler. A Mile in His Shoes is a very sweet film. Strong performances enhance what could otherwise be considered a…

• She Still Calls Him Daddy

  kristinemac

  20 Jan 2012 | 5:46 pm

  Today, I was in the grocery store when I happened to notice a father with his little girl, standing in front of a "Claw" game. They stood before the glass, looking at the various stuffed toys. He seemed to be debating whether to attempt to win a toy for his daughter. As I walked past, the man was digging into his pocket, seeking quarters. The scene took my thoughts back to a time when my own children were small. I think our youngest daughter was five years old. She had been ill, feeling miserable, but then Daddy came home bearing a stuffed toy tiger he'd won for her. The…

• This Is My Joy

  kristinemac

  19 Jan 2012 | 1:35 pm

  The word today is JOY. I was in a women's worship meeting this morning when the thought dropped into my brain.  Worshiping God brings me joy. Deep down in my spirit. A joy like no other. Now, I've written about joy in the past. Discovering the difference between "happiness" and "joy". Recognizing joy through being thankful for the blessings we have. And finding joy in the simple things of life. But today—as I sang at the top of my voice, lifting my hands in worship—I marveled at the beauty and joy of being in God's presence. It doesn't…

• So What Exactly is the Point?

  kristinemac

  18 Jan 2012 | 3:54 pm

  You may have noticed that my blog was dark for the better part of the day today. This is because my husband and I decided to support the SOPA STRIKE. I generally avoid political discussions or posts on Kristine ReMixed. I do have strong opinions on a variety of topics, but this is not the place I share them. However, when it comes to SOPA (and it's counterpart PIPA), I cannot support the arbitrary control and loss of free speech these pieces of legislation could/would enforce. The stated intent is to curb internet piracy by foreign "rogue" sites. Neither of these laws would…

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  Don't Eat The Fruit

• PhoneStack: Next Time We Meet, Let’s Do This

  John Dyer

  13 Jan 2012 | 8:50 am

  Tech history professor David Stearns pointed out a post on Kempt magazine about a new idea for social gatherings called PhoneStack. It works like this: as you arrive, each person places their phone facedown in the center of the table. As the meal goes on, you’ll hear various texts and emails arriving… and you’ll do absolutely nothing. You’ll face temptation—maybe even a few involuntary reaches toward the middle of the table—but you’ll be bound by the single, all-important rule of the phone stack. Whoever picks up their phone is footing the bill. As Dr. Stearns points out,…

• The Top 5 Technologies that Will Shape the Church in 2012

  John Dyer

  6 Jan 2012 | 1:19 pm

  It’s another new year, one that is sure to be full of predictions about Mayans, American presidents, and technology. Below are the technologies that I think will be the most powerful shapers of Christian spirituality in the next 360 or so days (inspired in part by Wired’s The Best Five Toys of All Time) 1. The Clock This morning when you woke up, what was the first thing you did? Brush your teeth? Make coffee? Read the Bible? Kiss your spouse? I can almost guarantee it wasn’t any of those things. No, the first thing we do when we wake up (and the last thing we do before falling back…

• The Evolution of the Mobile Phone (as told by Christmas presents)

  John Dyer

  23 Dec 2011 | 8:26 am

  While out shopping with my kids last week, the toy phones caught my eye. I let the kids play with a toy guitar while I rearranged them in roughly chronological order. The original candy bar phones are still available (far left), but I couldn’t find a phone with a cord anywhere in the store. At the high tech end, Fisher Price now sells a “Smilin’ Smart Phone” that looks much like an iPhone. This little evolutionary history lesson seems to show a movement away from the mechanical and physical toward something that mimics it. Early phone had rotary dials and wires, then…

• Dear Technology, Thank You For Cheeseburgers

  John Dyer

  9 Dec 2011 | 7:59 am

  Mashing Play-Doh Last weekend, my kids and I whipped up some home-made Play-Doh. It’s not too hard – all you need is flour, salt, oil, water, cream of tartar, and whatever colors of food coloring you want, and you become super dad. The kids had a blast both making it and playing with it, and afterward I marveled at how much fun it is to make something “from scratch” together. But at the same I starting to realize that I was not really making Play-Doh “from scratch” because, other than water, I have no idea where to get those ingredients other than Wal-Mart. I’m pretty adept at…

• Christmas Technology & Faith Book Buying Guide

  John Dyer

  2 Dec 2011 | 4:38 pm

  While pondering the perfect Christmas present for that someone special, you’ve undoubtedly come to the conclusion that there can be no better gift than a book on technology and faith. But you might be thinking, “There are just so many books are out there – how do I choose the right one for my special someone?” It turns out that Santa’s face is shining upon you, because I’ve put together a special buying guide just for you. The Uber-Intellectual, Tweed Jacket Wearing Brainiac Brian Brock‘s Christian Ethics in an Age of Technology is unparalleled in…

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  Will Mancini

• Great Vision, Bad Execution – 6 Common Mistakes

  Will Mancini

  23 Jan 2012 | 5:08 pm

  It’s a delight to watch teams get clear on the future. But it’s a fright to see that hard work of visioning go south when it comes to execution. If the work of visioning can be compared to taking a journey, there are six mistakes I see most: #1 Spinning Wheel Decision-making. Sometimes a team can have a great vision process only to get bogged down in complex or ineffective decision-making after the fact. On a car ride of a thousand miles, the spark plugs fire a thousands times each mile. If the little steps to make the vision happen don’t fire, you’ll only putter…

• Five Steps for Courageously Tweaking Your Ministry

  Will Mancini

  17 Jan 2012 | 9:17 am

  Step One: Ask “Who?” Consider who created the pattern, the model, “the how” of your particular ministry area or ministry responsibility. Did it come from a book, another church (conference), the previous pastor? Someone was the designer. Who was it? Step Two: Ask “Why?” Consider the motives and the intent of the person who designed the ministry you lead. Why did the originator of the ministry make the decisions they made? Why is your ministry designed the way it is? What problems were they trying to solve? What were their assumptions? Step Three: Ask…

• Taking Vision Public, Step 6: Talking Your Church’s Vision Daily

  Will Mancini

  6 Jan 2012 | 8:24 am

  Drip, drip, drip. It’s constant and you can’t not think about it. I know, I know, it’s a double negative. But haven’t you experienced that when you hear a drip somewhere in your house? You become obsessed with finding the source of the drip. Usually I don’t like using illustrations that have a negative connotation, but the final step to taking vision public is to drip it daily, and this constant dripping is a great way to think about it. Near the end of Church Unique, I describe your leaders as the engine of your vision. Without leaders that are aligned with…

• Taking Vision Public, Step 5: Leveraging Every Medium

  Will Mancini

  5 Jan 2012 | 8:35 am

  I’ve been in a series called Taking Vision Public: Six Steps to Vision-Soaked Communication. We’ve been looking at the steps involved in sharing your unique vision in compelling ways, inviting people to join in and be a part of what God has called you to do and be as a church. Here’s what we’ve covered already: Step 1 – Articulating Your Vision Step 2 – Developing Your Tagline Step 3 – Crafting Your Key Messages Step 4 – Communicating the Big Why Now, it’s time to break out the hose, leveraging every communication medium as an outlet for…

• Taking Vision Public, Step 4: Communicating Your Church’s Big Why

  Will Mancini

  4 Jan 2012 | 8:23 am

  What is it that causes some communication to grab people and stick with them? What is different about communication that causes people to move from being observers of a mission to participants in the mission? The answer, plain and simple is emotion. I once heard it said, “There is no motion without emotion.” I believe that’s true. People get involved with things that they care about – things that connect with them on an emotional level. I’ve mentioned Simon Sinek before and his book, Start with Why, which goes into how this concept of inspiring action by…

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  Bobby McGraw's Blog

• Business is Easy…Until People Get Involved: Session 4 Dave Ramsey EntreLeadership 1-Day

  bobby@bobbymcgraw.com

  20 Jan 2012 | 1:45 pm

  Hiring and Firing OR Keeping Crazy, Donkey and Dufus Off of Your TeamWhen you first start, it’s just you. But eventuallyy, you need a team.1. Turnover is bad for business.Proper hiring creates a good team, and a good team lowers turnover. You are trying to get thoroughbreds in the stable. You want rockstars in the company. A good team lowers turnover. Turnover is expensive in lost productivity and in morale within the team. When the good people leave, everybody wonders, “What is wrong?” We began measuring two types of exits: life change (had a baby, move, etc) or turnover.

• Financial Peace for Business: Session 3 Dave Ramsey EntreLeadership 1-Day

  bobby@bobbymcgraw.com

  20 Jan 2012 | 11:41 am

  Bulletproof Principles for Money, Debt and Funding Your FutureIn this session Dave applied FPU principles to the business. They are solid, great reminders. Here are some of the principles:1. Do the Accounting.Be diligent to know the state of your flocks and herds. People that don’t do accounting and can’t figure out why they can’t win are going to fail. The EntreLeader has separate checking accounts for personal and business and never uses the wrong one.You have to separate your business from your personal.At least 25% of monthly net profit should be set aside in a separate…

• Start With a Dream, End With a Goal: Session 2 Dave Ramsey EntreLeadership 1-Day

  bobby@bobbymcgraw.com

  20 Jan 2012 | 9:44 am

  Living Your Dreams, Visions, Mission Statements and GoalsThis session was taught by another member of Dave’s teaching team, Chris Hogan. Chris did a great job. You can read more about Chris by clicking here. You can also visit his site here: http://www.chrishogan360.com/People often check out. Goals have to be one of things we are doing. You have to set them and aim for them. Illustration: As a freshman football player, I had to set goals for the year. By verbalizing and putting my goals out there, I had put myself on the line.In business, I have done the same thing. We have to focus on…

• Leadership Defined: Session 1 Dave Ramsey EntreLeadership 1-Day

  bobby@bobbymcgraw.com

  20 Jan 2012 | 9:44 am

  This session really served as an introduction to the day. Dave did a great job explaining that his faith shapes how he does business. Here are a few of the thoughts from this session:How it all started: There were about 10 people reporting to Dave and he couldn’t get anything done. He began to realize that he needed to train people It is important for people to be able to complete your sentences.It must be predictable, duplicatable and scalable.LEADERWhat makes a great leader? (Crow-sourced…

• The Measure of a Tree (A Tribute to my Dad)

  bobby@bobbymcgraw.com

  7 Jan 2012 | 7:34 pm

  Today marks the four year anniversary of my dad’s passing. As I’ve been thinking about him, I decided to repost the following. I wrote it some time back but it was lost when we transitioned the site. He is greatly missed. - BobbyOn the day of his funeral all of our family and extended family gathered at my parent’s ranch-style house, surrounded by 27 oak trees. They lived on a dead-end street, so all was usually calm and peaceful. While we were getting ready to leave for the funeral, one of the giant trees fell to the ground and blocked access on our road, making it…

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  Donald Miller's Blog

• Thoughts on Tyler Cowen and his TED Talk on Story

  Don

  26 Jan 2012 | 2:40 pm

  I greatly appreciated Tyloer Cowen’s talk on story. And I hardly disagree with him at all. Story is, in part, a sense-making device. And the fact people use story to structure their lives and their ambitions, and also to convince others that their story is worth joining can be both good and bad. I don’t think of story as much more than a map or a shovel. As a map, story helps us understand where we are. False stories, then, are false maps. And as a tool, story can help us organize our work. But shovels can be used to hit people over the head. My problem with Cowen’s talk is…

• Work on Your Character and a Good Life Will Come to You

  Don

  23 Jan 2012 | 2:00 am

  Jimmy Stewart. An actor I've always associated with good character. The blogosphere is abuzz with advice for the new year. We’re being given tricks and tips on getting ahead, becoming more efficient and so forth. But as a guy who helps people live better stories, I have to tell you the best advice I’ve ever heard is simple: Work on your character and a good life will come to you. Of course we have to define “good life” and we also have to acknowledge this is far from a “biblical law” that is destined for success. To be sure, nothing is for sure. But I…

• Why I Love Jesus but Hate Religion

  Don

  21 Jan 2012 | 11:40 pm

  I sure like what this kid has to say. I’m no fan of religion (and I know the definition isn’t all that bad, but in our age the definition and the street understanding of the term are different). But mostly, I’m no fan of people using Jesus or religion or morality or any of that to bring attention to themselves while they secretly live differently. I’m over it. I’d rather sin in the open than sin in private and be a hypocrite. I guess that probably makes me a different kind of self righteous. Regardless, this is worth pondering. Why I Love Jesus but Hate Religion…

• What is a Storyline? And Should You Have One?

  Don

  18 Jan 2012 | 9:07 am

  Last week I ran into a guy at an airport who said that when he and his wife created their Storyline it was the highest point of their marriage. I wasn’t surprised. Story is, after all, a sense-making device. Story helps us understand ourselves and others. It helps us realize where we’ve been and chart a path for where we’d like to go. A Storyline is a life-mapping tool consisting of several modules, modules that help you understand yourself as a character, chart the positive and  negative turns in your life, anticipate and have a positive attitude about conflict and fuel…

• Embracing the Sweet, Brutal Reality of Life

  Don

  17 Jan 2012 | 11:21 am

  I’m becoming a Joseph Campbell fan. Reflecting on myth, even the myths (some true stories, some arrows pointing to truth) I learned as a young Christian growing up in Texas have been the maps I’ve used to navigate my world. I do not believe the Bible is complete myth but I do believe it intentionally contains myth (Song of Songs, for almost certain, and perhaps other chunks). I believe Jesus was God and the Son of God, and I believe much of what is in the book has happened, in one way or another. I tend to believe Job could be myth, but I’d guess somebody like Job existed,…

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  The Christian Gift

• Godparent Gift Ideas

  TheChristianGift

  28 Jan 2012 | 2:50 am

  If your child will soon be baptized, you might want to present his or her Godmother and Godmother with some sort of keepsake to commemorate not just that special day, but also the lifelong bond they’ll share. That can be easier said than done; if you’ve looked for gifts for Godparents lately, you’ll know that there’s not necessarily a lot to choose from. It was the approach of another baptism in my family, in fact, that was the impetus for the founding of The Christian Gift. I was looking for a special keepsake that I could personalize and my search wasn’t…

• In the Heart Forever

  TheChristianGift

  27 Jan 2012 | 3:39 am

  You can’t pick your relatives. Disclaimer: I’m fully aware that not all children have good relationships with their parents. For me, though, I was blessed beyond measure when it came to the family in which God placed me. Like most children, I didn’t recognize in my earlier years just how good I had it. As little kids, of course, we’re pretty oblivious about these things. Obviously, my folks weren’t perfect (ahem…nor was I). Who is? They took their responsibilities as parents seriously, though, and did the very best they could – which was pretty good…

• Church Volunteer Service Appreciation – Thanks and a Pat on the Back or Something More?

  TheChristianGift

  26 Jan 2012 | 1:28 pm

  A woman I know has been heavily involved in the music program at her church for years. She started about 20 years ago directing the choir; before long a bell choir was established, also. Over the years she’s organized youth choirs and done a great job incorporating a variety of instrumentalists into the mix. Each December, she puts together a wonderful Christmas concert featuring each of the musical groups. There’s more – but you get the idea. Their music ministry is vibrant and diverse, and as you can imagine, my friend spends many an evening at the church in various…

• Nursery Wall Art – Birth Statistics Plaques

  TheChristianGift

  25 Jan 2012 | 2:40 am

  It’s been exciting to collaborate again with artist Kathleen Herold…this time on some designs for our new baby birth record plaques; the collection will be in the store within the next few weeks. In the meantime, here’s a peek at another one of the personalized plaques coming soon:  

• Let God’s Promises Shine on Your Problems

  TheChristianGift

  24 Jan 2012 | 2:50 am

  This image and the Corrie Ten Boom quote seemed to be a good pairing. I made this photo in New Hampshire’s White Mountains at the end of a day of shooting…having wrapped things up, I was driving out from the location at which I’d been working all afternoon when I noticed that there was a great vantage point over the river offering a clear view of the interesting things developing in the sky over the mountain. Back I turned, parking the car, grabbing the camera and tripod, and running to get myself into position as quickly as possible. A shaft of light pierced through the…

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  Anchor Your Life » Blog

• In A Panic!

  Marji "Mike" Kruger

  27 Jan 2012 | 2:13 am

  When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. (NIV) Mark 6:47-48 Jesus has just miraculously fed a huge crowd (estimated between 15,000-25,000 people) with just 5 small loaves of bread and 2 small fish. All the people have eaten and are satisfied. As the people watch, they become convinced that this Jesus, is no ordinary man. They’re hoping that maybe He’s the One they’ve been waiting for. . .the One who will bring healing, help and hope to their nation. The…

• Hillside Dining

  Marji "Mike" Kruger

  26 Jan 2012 | 3:17 am

  Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, (NIV) Mark 6:41-42 The crowds had gathered. There were 5000 men in the crowd, conservatively figuring, there was somewhere between 10-15,000 people, including the women and children, possibly as many as 25,000, who had come to see and hear Jesus. Jesus did not have to advertise to attract a huge crowd. Word had spread that His teaching was refreshing…

• When Everyone Wants a Piece of You

  Marji "Mike" Kruger

  24 Jan 2012 | 10:49 pm

  Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. (NIV) Mark 1:35 The stress of day to day living by the Sea of Galilee…Jesus teaches the people: They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. (Mark 1:21-22) Same day…Jesus heals the demon possessed: Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried…

• Out In The Desert

  Marji "Mike" Kruger

  24 Jan 2012 | 5:06 am

  “a voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” (NIV) Mark 1:3 & Isaiah 40:3 The gospel of Mark begins with a prophesy from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah. Some 700+ years before Christ’s birth, the prophet Isaiah said that John the Baptist would be ordained to prepare the way for Christ’s coming. John’s job would be to challenge people to turn from their sinful ways and instead, look to God. He would bring the good news (the gospel) to the people of Jerusalem. That good news could be summed…

• Imitating God’s Forgiveness

  Marji "Mike" Kruger

  23 Jan 2012 | 3:11 am

  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV) Ephesians 4:32 One way to imitate God’s forgiveness is to make four specific promises when you forgive someone: 1) I will not think about this incident. In other words, I will not keep track of the wrongs suffered (I Corinthians 13:5). 2) I will not bring this incident up or use it against you. In addition, I will not allow my mind to dwell on the offense (Philippians 4:8). 3) I will not talk to others about the incident. I will not gossip about another person’s sins (Ephesians…

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  Life Coaching for Christian Women :: Kim Avery » Blog

• Creating Lasting Change

  Kim Avery

  13 Jan 2012 | 8:04 am

  What would your life be like if I waved a magic wand and you continued to do what you are doing but you consistently did it better? What new avenues could you explore and how would your relationships change if your self-confidence suddenly soared? Imagine dialing down your negative self-talk and instead became genuinely content and happy with who you are and what you do. What would your life be like if much of your stress and anxiety disappeared? What if I told you that that magic wand really existed and was within your reach? It does. And it is. Research has shown again and again that people…

• God is Waiting ~ Contagious Love: Wk. 7

  Kim Avery

  4 Nov 2011 | 5:00 am

  The story is told about an old man who was becoming increasingly concerned about his wife’s hearing.  He was convinced that she was on the verge of being stone deaf.  But no matter what he did, she wouldn’t admit there was a problem. After months of trying to convince her, he had had enough and decided to prove his point.  He entered their living room where his wife was seated, facing the fireplace.  From behind her he said in a clear voice, “Honey, I love you.  Did you hear that?” Nothing. He walked halfway across the room and repeated, “Honey, I said I love you.  Do you hear…

• Is This All There Is? ~ Contagious Love ~ Wk. 7

  Kim Avery

  28 Oct 2011 | 5:00 am

  An engineer was walking through a construction site and stopped a laborer and asked him what he was doing. He said, “I’m moving these boards from this pile to that pile over there.” A little further on, he saw a saw a mason and asked him what he was doing. The mason replied, “I’m getting ready to pour some concrete.” Then he came upon a carpenter who was building a frame for the concrete to be poured into, and he asked him the same thing. But the carpenter replied, “I’m building a cathedral where thousands of voices will sing the praises of…

• Love Goes Viral ~ Contagious Love Wk. 6

  Kim Avery

  22 Oct 2011 | 8:40 pm

  It was August 16th, 1987 and the plane was going down. There were only seconds to buckle seat belts, assume the crash position and hold on for dear life. Hearts pounded, fingers fumbled and 155 passengers of Northwest flight 225 covered their heads with their hands. All except one. Paula Chican, without a moment’s hesitation, unbuckled her seat belt, got down on her knees and stretched her arms and body around 4 year old Cecelia. In spite of the danger, disregarding the warnings, risking everything Paula was willing to give up her life to save that of her young daughter. Paula died in the…

• False Expectations ~ Contagious Love ~ Week 5

  Kim Avery

  14 Oct 2011 | 5:14 am

  There are certain words that every parent longs to hear: It will be my pleasure to drop what I am doing just to help you out. What was I thinking? I promise to never hit my brother again. I’ll set my alarm extra early from now on to make sure I have time to make my bed. My homework is all done. Is there anything I can do for you before I go out to play? Thank you for correcting me. It’s helping me grow into a mature adult. Of course, if your children did say these things you would have to worry that an alien had whisked them away and replaced them with a clone – a clone that had…

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  W2W Soul

• What If?

  Kaleb

  23 Jan 2012 | 5:00 am

  I am familiar with a situation wherein a young female college student became pregnant out of wedlock. This young Christian and her parents experienced a range of emotions unlike any others in their lifetime. It has now been more than twenty years since those circumstances and, in retrospect there... Read more..

• God is Never Wrong

  Kaleb

  16 Jan 2012 | 5:00 am

  This is a story that was emailed to me. I'm not sure of the source but I had to share it because it is a anecdote that truly shows God's omniscience and why we should always trust Him even when we don't understand why He allows certain things. In everything, God always has our best interest at hea... Read more..

• How To Be Thankful

  Kaleb

  9 Jan 2012 | 5:00 am

  An elderly woman woke up one morning, ready to start her day. She looked in the mirror and wondered how she would style her hair.  With only three strands of hair left on her head, she thought to herself—“today, I’ll do a braid.” She did just that and had... Read more..

• A Call to Foster

  Julie

  4 Jan 2012 | 5:00 am

  You want me to do what???  Being single and childless, I might have classified myself as the unlikeliest of candidates to become a foster parent.  Not to mention, my job required extensive travel at the time.  I had been living in South Florida for eight years when f... Read more..

• Out with the old, In with the new

  Kaleb

  30 Dec 2011 | 5:00 am

  2012 is fast approaching and all the "should haves, would haves and could haves" of 2011 will soon be behind us. 2011 was an especially challenging year globally, nationally and individually.  I, along with many of you, may have missed the boat on a few things we w... Read more..

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  DashHouse.com

• Saturday Links

  dsd@DashHouse.com (Darryl Dash)

  28 Jan 2012 | 4:00 am

  Should I Marry a Man with Pornography Struggles? Don't Take It from Me: Reasons You Should Not Marry an Unbeliever You Might Be Killing Your Ministry (And Not Even Know It) Never Select This Person for a Prominent Leadership Role 3 Reasons I Manuscript Sermons Grace and Truth Beyond the Elephant Room Famous Theologians on Understanding Creation iBible I Am a Church Member The Biggest Myth in Time Management So What Are You Going To Try For God Today? 7 Ways to Lead with a Limp Just Keep Going

• Friday Questions: An Interview with Jared Wilson

  dsd@DashHouse.com (Darryl Dash)

  27 Jan 2012 | 4:00 am

  Jared Wilson is a blogger, pastor, and author. His latest book Gospel Wakefulness came out last year, and made the list of top reads in lists by Trevin Wax and Aaron Armstrong. I'm grateful to Jared for taking the time to be interviewed. The gospel is earth-shaking. Why is it so easy to become numb to it? Because we are stubborn and flesh-fixated. Because we're sinners and have to reset to gospel mode every day. I also think we get trained to think that the gospel is just relevant at the earth-shaking of conversion, so we reason that the Christian life is about moving on, or graduating, to…

• Questions After the Elephant Room

  dsd@DashHouse.com (Darryl Dash)

  26 Jan 2012 | 4:00 am

  I was grateful to attend a simulcast of The Elephant Room yesterday. It's an event that brings well-known leaders together for honest conversations about differing approaches to ministry. If you missed the event and want to read a summary of the sessions, Trevin Wax did an excellent job summarizing the day: Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 Session 5 Session 6 Session 7 Session 8 The tone of the event was different from last year's. The build-up was far more controversial, but the actual event seemed less combative. I wasn't able to attend the entire day, but I enjoyed what I saw. The…

• Lego and the Gender Powder Keg

  dsd@DashHouse.com (Darryl Dash)

  25 Jan 2012 | 4:00 am

  You may have heard the news about Lego this week: The Lego backlash was perhaps inevitable. When the maker of countless little coloured bricks sold all over the world decided to create a line of products designed specifically with girls in mind, it was broaching a delicate subject. Sure enough, as Lego Friends was being rolled out this month, sets in which the girls of Heartlake City can do things like visit the vet and hang out at an ice cream café, criticism descended upon the Danish toy giant. The problem is that this new Lego isn't gender-neutral. It used to be back when Lego was…

• Real Marriage

  dsd@DashHouse.com (Darryl Dash)

  24 Jan 2012 | 4:00 am

  I should have known Real Marriage would be controversial. It is, after all, by Mark and Grace Driscoll, and Mark Driscoll seems to be in trouble a good deal of the time. As I write this I have several friends who almost lose it when Driscoll's name comes up. I have several other friends who appreciate him, even though they recognize his faults. Why did I agree to review this book again? Well, it's too late. I did agree to review the book. I began reading, and it wasn't long before I got to some controversial bits. When Grace cuts her hair short, Mark disapproves. "She had put a mom's need for…

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  Pinnacle Balance

• Learn From People Who Are Where You Want To Be

  Steve Crenshaw

  18 Jan 2012 | 4:20 am

  So many people want to be leaders, if for nothing more than the status that comes with it.  People want to win, but not pay the price of learning to lead.  In 1998 I attended a John Maxwell conference in Jacksonville Florida, and I can say that was the pivotal point in my life. From that point on I started taking notes from any and every leader I could find.  I got Dr Maxwell’s InJoy Life Club that later became Maximum Impact  I still have those cd’s that I listen to when I drive.   I bought cd’s from JimRohn, Brian Tracy, Zig Ziglar, yes even Tony Robbins. I read book…

• Get Out Of Your Own Way

  Steve Crenshaw

  16 Jan 2012 | 10:41 am

  You have probably heard the saying from the King James version of Proverbs 23, “As a man thinks in his heart so is he.” And while most modern versions don’t translate the phrase that way, it is still a true statement about you and me.  What we put into our minds is what is going to come out of our thoughts and actions. Take sports for example.  What are some factors people think about when they play sports? Weather conditions, location (home or away), who the players are, the win-loss record, and many other factors that are processed over and over every week.  But if a…

• Discipline Yourself

  Steve Crenshaw

  13 Jan 2012 | 4:31 pm

  Self discipline can be one of the hardest changes to make because it is born out of habit.  We are habitual creatures, so anything that breaks our habits is viewed as a nuisance.  When we understand that we need to change we can begin to look for things to help us. First of all has to be books.  We are a book buying society.  Whether or not we read the books we buy is another story, and that is part of the self-discipline problem.  If you buy a book to help you then at least take the time to read it.  You can read five pages a day and complete a 200 page book in a month and a half, so…

• 10 Ways To Keep New Years Resolutions

  Steve Crenshaw

  27 Dec 2011 | 6:02 am

  I know the story and so do you.  Over 80% of Americans set New Years Resolutions, and about 5% of those actually keep any part of the resolutions.  This year it’s time to be different.  You are going to set and keep resolutions this year and your going to like it. Don’t Try To Do To Much. You can not change your entire life at the beginning of the year so don’t try to.  You are going to set one maybe two life goals for the year and one personal goal and that is it.  Life goals can be: Stop Smoking Stop Drinking Eat Better Get healthy lose weight You get the point…

• It’s Always Easier To Tear People Down

  Steve Crenshaw

  10 Oct 2011 | 10:40 am

  I recently removed an old fence from around our home.  When my youngest son asked if it was hard work.  I responded by telling him that it is always easier to tear down than to build up.  The same is true with people.   It is very easy to tear someone down because we don’t agree with him or her or we think they are doing something wrong.  Like Jesus said, it is easier to find the speck in our neighbors eye than to find the log in ours. When we disciple people we should focus on building up as often as we can.  If we are discipling people who are young in their Christian…

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  The Discipleship Diary

• The Deadly Sin of Self-righteousness Part 2

  Melini Moodley

  27 Jan 2012 | 5:59 pm

  “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart,  I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God. I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the  north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High.” –Is 14:12-14It was a deadly mix of pride, hypocrisy and self-righteousness that, in the beginning, caused the created to revolt against his Creator. Lucifer, the most beautiful of…

• The Deadly Sin of Self-righteousness

  Melini Moodley

  20 Jan 2012 | 12:17 pm

  Would you be surprised to learn that the deadliest of sins, self-righteousness is not as obvious as one may think? It’s curious and decadent wrapping makes it all the more dangerous. Having its roots in hypocrisy, it manifests in myriads of ways that are not often viewed for what they really are. Examine the story of the blind man healed by Jesus in John 9. The Pharisees, critical of all Jesus’ works, sought occasion to accuse Him of breaking the Law of God. They did not see the fruit of His work in the confident, young man that stood before them eloquently sharing the testimony of how he…

• How to make the best of 2012

  Melini Moodley

  6 Jan 2012 | 9:19 am

  Having finally entered into the New Year, I decided it might be a fitting time to outline some tips on how we can make the best of 2012.  I hope you find them encouraging and helpful.-Put God first in your life and seek Him for guidance in your decision - making. (Ps 119:105, Ps 37:23)-Embrace a positive attitude and surround yourself with positive people of faith. (Num 13:30, Num 14:6-10)-Decide on the legacy you would like to leave behind. Your legacy will impact on the vision you have for your future. Remember, legacies are not comprised solely of things of monetary value but rather…

• A Message for the New Year - 2012

  Melini Moodley

  31 Dec 2011 | 1:35 pm

  Time has flown by! Tomorrow, should the grace of  God allow, we will greet the first day of the new year. 2011 has been a year of new experiences for some and tragedy for others. We have definitely been reminded of the brevity of time for the coming of our Lord; the signs have been more pronounced than ever before. We should know where our priorities lie.2011 brought with it an increase in natural disasters. Storms, cyclones, floods, tornadoes, tsunamis and earthquakes  have been commonplace, and the second biggest nuclear disaster the world has experienced since Chernobyl shocked…

• Pilgrim

  Melini Moodley

  24 Dec 2011 | 11:00 am

  I am a pilgrim on a journeyTo the Promised Land;I have asked God for guidance, That He would take my hand…Often anxious, often wearyAs meandering paths I treadI remember my Saviour;He had no place to lay His head…I will trust Him for He already has traveled this narrow way;He is my fire by night, my pillar of cloud by dayHe will never leave me, nor forsake me;His Promise is sureI will be with Him in His Kingdom, Where we will dwell forevermore…While I journey on this road,I find tokens of His love:The garden of tears, The Cross on which He shed His blood…He died to relieve meOf my…

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  Ministry-To-Children.com

• How to Make Sunday School More Fun

  Jenny Funderburke

  23 Jan 2012 | 7:41 am

  One of my favorite quotes of all time is “It is a sin to bore a kid with the Bible“.  I don’t know who originally said it, but I saw it long ago used in an ad for curriculum.  I completely agree. We have the most exciting story of all time to tell, yet Sunday School does not generally have the reputation for being fun.  How can we change that?  Here are six steps to help bring more fun into your Sunday School. 1.  Be prepared.  Let’s be honest, listening to someone read straight from the teacher’s guide and watching them have their nose buried in the book…

• Preschool Bible Lesson: Jesus on Trial

  Kara Jenkins

  23 Jan 2012 | 7:29 am

  This is lesson continues our curriculum for preschoolers about knowing Jesus. Each lesson is based on a passage in the Gospel of Mark. You can read the series introduction for more explanation and links to the other lessons. This particular lesson is from passages in Mark 14 & 15 where Jesus is on trial. Preschoolers will discover that Jesus took great pain to help them come to God. Jesus suffered greatly in obedience to the Father so that we might be forgiven and reconciled to Him. Bible Passage:  Mark 14:53-65; 15:1-20 Bible Lesson Title: Jesus on Trial Target Age Group: 4-5 years…

• 7 Ways Small Churches Can Reach Preteens

  Guest Writer

  20 Jan 2012 | 7:55 am

  **This is a guest post from Nick Diliberto from PreteenMinistry.net In my last post, I offered many reasons for small churches (or church plants) to launch a preteen ministry. In this post, I’m going to share a few ways they can effectively reach preteens. 1. Split up preteens for weekend services. Ideally, it’s the best way to go. If preteens meet separately, you can design programming and an environment that is age specific. As a result, you maximize impact. However, not every small church has the resources to do so. If that’s you, read on. 2. Launch a midweek group. Midweek is a…

• February Calendar Coloring Page

  Mandy Groce

  19 Jan 2012 | 1:18 pm

  Click above to download This free coloring page calendar for February will help children learn their months and number the days. The illustration shows a young girl with paper heart shapes and has the following peom: Father thank you for this month, The shortest of the year. Teach us now to love each one, of those that we find near. Directions: You can right-click on the following links to download this printable in your preferred format. PDF ~ easy to print JPEG ~ advanced users can edit With young children, the teacher should complete the date boxes before making copies. For children in…

• “I is for Israel” Coloring Page

  Mandy Groce

  19 Jan 2012 | 10:05 am

  Click above to download For the next letter in our  Bible Alphabet, readers chose Israel as the theme. Use this coloring page to teach children about God’s plan in using one nation to bring his blessing to the whole world. The people of Israel were chosen by God as an expression of his love and faithfulness. Directions: To download this free printable, simply right-click on the links below. We’ve made the sheet available in two different formats. PDF ~ easy to print JPEG ~ for advanced editing You can leave your feedback about this project in the comment section below. Feel free…

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  Renew My Mind

• Organic Isn’t Just Trendy. It’s The Way God Made Us

  Daniel

  24 Jan 2012 | 7:54 am

  Listening to a few people talk about eating healthy brought this point to mind. Some people treat the “organic” lifestyle as a fad – as though it were just another scheme to lose weight or lower your cholesterol level. That happens because we adopt labels without considering their origin. To these people, “organic” might as well be “low fat” or “no carbs”. It’s just a ploy to get people to spend more money on their health. Unprocessed, organic, real foods aren’t trends or fads like Weight Watchers. They’re foods in their…

• Coming to Grips With Reality

  Daniel

  5 Jan 2012 | 6:17 am

  It’s time to come to grips with reality. All the prophetic words you’ve received. All the interior thoughts and warnings you’ve noticed but set aside. For too long, you’ve mismanaged the word of the Lord, preferring to hide out in the camp of entertainment. The future doesn’t not come because you were too busy watching television. Destiny doesn’t wait forever. This is a time of sobering, where we who have been promised much have a choice to make. Will we continue to sit on the sidelines and watch others carry the torch? Or will we take up the promises of…

• Pleasing God and Receiving Human Approval

  Daniel

  1 Jan 2012 | 12:10 am

  Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil.For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. Romans 14:16-18

• Position By Birthright

  Daniel

  30 Dec 2011 | 9:01 am

  “Someone has tricked us into trying to earn a place in the family into which we were birthed.” I came across this statement online and it stunned me. Summarize all of our myriad of struggles in one sentence, and there you go. We are wasting precious time trying to earn position we’ve already been birthed into. The difference between two groups of Christians I know is that one group believes all the sanctification and salvation is already done while the other believes it’s an ongoing process until we live with Jesus forever. The irony is that both are correct. We are…

• Righteousness And Godly Thinking

  Daniel

  22 Dec 2011 | 9:40 am

  Righteousness is the result of applying consistent Godly thinking. – John Paul Jackson Some will argue with the theology of this, stating that righteousness is the result of Jesus’ finished work. And that’s true. But righteousness evidenced by our words, our actions, and our lifestyles stems from consistently choosing to think on “God things”.

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  Reflect

• What are you hoping for?

  Jann Cobb

  27 Jan 2012 | 3:00 am

  Leaning up against a gas station wall stood a disheveled man, shivering from the cold. In Grand Rapids there are many homeless people and it is quite possible that he also fell into this category. In one hand he held his gloves and in the other he grasped a lottery ticket that he was furiously working on. Hoping it would be a winner. I wondered what else he was hoping for? Why would he spend the money that he begged for on such a slim chance? The odds of winning the lottery usually have odds 18 million to 1 and some have odds as high as 120 million to 1. With those…

• Memories of Jesus

  Jann Cobb

  25 Jan 2012 | 4:58 pm

  I saw something this week that brought back a flood of memories! A picture that was created for Crossroad Youth ministry took me back, way back to 1976!From 1976-1980 while I was in High school, this greeted me each time I entered into the building. It holds a deep, deep place in my heart! I have incredible memories! Memories of hundreds of high school students declaring their love for Jesus and encouraging others to do so also!  I remember the first night that I came into this room and by the end of the evening I was a part of God's family! I remember silly dramas, deep conversations,…

• Combative Cover ups

  Jann Cobb

  24 Jan 2012 | 3:30 am

  I am so fortunate! My mother loves to iron and every week she comes to my house and irons. meticulously creating creases on my husbands shirts and proudly lining up her completed masterpieces, she is am ironing wonder! I am so blessed by her love of ironing!This week, upon returning home from school, I walked into an interesting sight. On the kitchen floor was a bright blue sheet wadded up against the dishwasher. My mother declared that the dishwasher was spitting out water! A couple things ran through my mind.I had turned the dishwasher on before I left in the morning.Did she use dish…

• The Descendants

  Jann Cobb

  22 Jan 2012 | 5:00 am

  I went to see the movie The Descendants this week. I love George Clooney and had heard the buzz about how good the performances were. I did not know anything about the plot, characters or setting. All I knew about this film was that my friend George ( I have a slight crush) was in it.Sometimes I invent a scenario about a movie before I see it.  In this case I predicted that the movie was going to be about family relationships through out the generations, hence the name The Descendants.The movie was not what I expected although many reviewers raved about it.  Rotten…

• River otters chasing a butterfly!

  Jann Cobb

  20 Jan 2012 | 3:30 am

  Watch this video of River otters chasing after a butterfly.It reminds me that joy can be found in simple things. When you know the one who created all things you can have joy.Joy can be found inA smilea bike rideTime in prayerExtra time to sleepLooking at the sunsetGod's word shared with youThe bible verse that hits homeA book, blanket and a fireplaceSnuggling with your kidsThe perfect cup of coffeeLong conversationsA loving embraceYummy dessertsDark chocolateWhen you see God in the midst of these and other events of your day there is Joy! Seek Him! Look for Him today!You will seek…

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  Eden Life Magazine » Spirit & Life

• Kingdom Mindset- Seedtime and Harvest

  Moyo Mamora

  12 Jan 2012 | 4:22 pm

  Mark 4:26-29 “And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”” The Bible provides for us progressive revelation of God and His Kingdom. The Kingdom of God like every other kingdom on earth refers to the domain of the King, it is the sphere…

• I Pledge Allegiance to My Independence

  Mia Harris

  26 Oct 2011 | 11:55 am

  (Destiny’s Child- Independent Women) “Question: Tell me what you think about me I buy my own diamonds and I buy my own rings Only ring your cell-y when I’m feelin lonely When it’s all over please get up and leave Question: Tell me how you feel about this Try to control me boy you get dismissed Pay my own fun, oh and I pay my own bills Always 50/50 in relationships…. All the women who are independent Throw your hands up at me” All the women (and men) who are independent, throw your hands up at me. Now keep them up if you enjoy being in this place. Yeah, keep them up if you…

• Godliness is Profitable

  Moyo Mamora

  25 Oct 2011 | 11:40 am

  1 Timothy 4:8, NLT “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” Godliness simply means to live like God. It is holy living, God commands that we be holy just as He is (1 Pet.1:16) and in another place He warns that without holiness, no man can see God (Heb.12:14). We know according to 1 Timothy 4:8, that just like the body requires physical training, which has its benefits, godliness is a form of spiritual exercise. Exercise requires nutrition, resistance, and rest of our muscles in order for them…

• Unforgiveness: A Deadly Ivy

  Moyo Mamora

  11 Oct 2011 | 11:56 am

  Hebrews 12:14:15 “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled” Everyone in their lifetime is given numerous opportunities to be angry, take offence and remain angry/upset at another person or circumstance. However do we have a right to be angry and take offence? Yes we have every right to be angry when wronged, but before you run of to justify your feats of rage, remember that the Scriptures exhort in…

• Eternal Realities

  Moyo Mamora

  8 Sep 2011 | 9:26 am

  “While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18, NKJV Paul in giving a benediction prays “may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless” (1 Thessalonians 5:23), which clearly identifies a three part nature of the human being. When God created man, He created Him in His image and likeness (Gen. 1:26), so by deduction, man is a spirit being just like God, and in the same class of being as God, for God is a spirit (John…

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  Frank King's Blog

• The Southern Baptists’ Plan to Change St. Louis

  Frank King

  26 Jan 2012 | 8:22 am

  (Article first published as The Southern Baptists' Plan to Change St. Louis  on Technorati)To the Southern Baptists, St. Louis is one of North America’s great unreached urban centers. According to the Association of Religion Data Archives, only 14.8 percent of metro St. Louis’ 2.8 million people are affiliated with an evangelical church. Nearly half of the population is not affiliated with any religious group. The local Southern Baptists have a plan to change that.Through their Send North America: St. Louis initiative, local Southern Baptist churches have already begun…

• Called to Be Faithful

  Frank King

  23 Jan 2012 | 10:28 pm

  As Christians, we are God’s stewards. He has committed certain gifts and resources to each of us. In the end, we must give account of our stewardship, and we will be rewarded accordingly. It behooves us then to be faithful to God. Having been a senior pastor of local churches in the past, I know how important it is to have church workers who are faithful to God. A church body absolutely cannot function effectively without faithful church workers. Moreover, my conviction is that the Lord’s work is the most important work in the world. It is the only work that we can do that has eternal…

• Survey Reveals Pastors' Beliefs on Creation and Evolution

  Frank King

  20 Jan 2012 | 9:17 pm

  I was reading the results of a recent LifeWay Research survey in which 1000 American Protestant pastors were asked whether they believe that man is the product of creation or of evolution. They were also questioned as to whether they believe Adam and Eve are literal people, and whether or not the earth is approximately 6000 years old. This approximation of the age of the current earth can be arrived at by using a series of genealogies and life spans as recorded in the Bible.This report really got my attention since those questions speak to how much pastors believe what the Bible says. Of…

• What Is A Disciple?

  Frank King

  16 Jan 2012 | 1:04 am

  Sometimes we refer to Christians as believers or disciples. Some Christians may even use the terms interchangeably. In this post, I want to address the question, what is a disciple? In doing so, it should become abundantly clear that these two terms—believer and disciple—are not the same. In simplest terms, a disciple denotes one who follows a teacher. For instance, Jesus was, among other things, a great teacher. He had twelve men who followed Him wherever He went. This they did to the intent that they might learn of Him and that they might experience the kind of…

• What Happens to People Who Go to Church

  Frank King

  12 Jan 2012 | 11:31 pm

  Every week, millions of Americans attend local Christian churches for numerous reasons. But how effective are Christian churches in impacting the lives of those who attend? Well, one of the best ways to know what happens to people who go to church is to ask them. That’s what the Barna Group did through a survey, and the results were released earlier this week. In this post, I want to zero in on two findings of the survey. The first has to do with the extent to which churchgoers said their lives had been changed through church attendance. According to the study, only one-fourth of all…

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  weir online

• get started (again)

  theWeir

  25 Jan 2012 | 4:08 am

  Like many children, I was able to tell things apart from a young age. In particular, I could tell you a car's make and model from fairly small details (like light clusters, panel shapes, window shapes). While my focus is now much less on the world of production car design, somethings never change. The other day I saw a car with a 2005 registration plate, but the car shape/detailing was from the 2000-2003 version. Or thereabouts. So that made me thing that the car was likely to have been re-plated, re-built or at worst a cut and shunt. What does that have to do with starting again? Well,…

• Three words for 2012

  theWeir

  7 Jan 2012 | 11:26 am

  Last year, I wrote three words to set the course for the year. And promptly forgot about them. Alive | Growth | Proactive This year, I wasn't really thinking about three words as I was struggling to have the mental space or energy to think about it. Then a funny thing happened. I was thinking about a focus for writing about this year - after last year's eight-thirty project, and the themes of faith, hope and love were really sticking with me. I mentioned this yesterday.  So those three words are going to be my three words for 2012. To grow in each area. To live in the light of them.

• 300 not out - and four to go

  theWeir

  6 Jan 2012 | 9:34 am

  It's 2012. But you knew that already. Or maybe it's not and you are reading this from the future. Welcome back. Welcome, in fact, wherever you are on the space-time continuum. As I mentioned yesterday, I'm soon about to reach the end of my 365 project over on blipfoto.com/eightthirty. The idea behind the project was to take a photo every day at either 8:30am or 8:30pm. I started on my birthday in 2011 and it's soon to be my birthday in 2012. A few weeks ago, I decided that while the discipline of taking a photo and writing about it was something I was really enjoying, the original intention…

• Why I don't update the world like I used to

  theWeir

  5 Jan 2012 | 11:46 am

  Despite posting over 10,000 times on twitter and having a fairly active Facebook stream, I know that I am sharing less online. Or at least less frequently.Is it fear of giving away too much? NopeIs it fear of spam? Nope.Is it boredom or falling out with the people I have connected with? Nope.Some stats would speak for themselves:30 new blog posts - compared with 179 in 2010. 47 visits to the blog in 2011, 1,380 in 2010.However, my focus shifted from sharing as many little pieces on twitter and facebook, to my eight-thirty project on blipfoto. Which has been viewed over 32,000 times. Which is…

• Happy Christmas

  theWeir

  22 Dec 2011 | 2:10 pm

  It's just three days until Christmas.I've not written many cards this year, but have sent a few e-cards, courtesy of the Open Door project in Livingston.If you are looking for a cause to support this Christmas time, give them a look:And have a happy Christmas.Grace & Peace,W

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  Solar Crash... Where heaven and earth collide.

• Education that matters

  Lon

  24 Jan 2012 | 10:25 pm

  I just saw this short documentary “Children Full of Life”, about a teacher, Toshiro Kanamori, and his fourth-grade class northwest of Tokyo. My wife is a teacher and I have massive respect for educators who are doing their job, but I have always found something stifling within our education system in the west. Volumes can be learned from this video about character building, authority, compassion and community development that’s palpable. Your thoughts?

• Parting Words

  Lon

  20 Jan 2012 | 6:45 am

  This past weekend I was commissioned out of Mosaic (the community of faith I’ve been leading the past four years) and had the opportunity to share a parting message. Last words are often said too late, or in haste, so I thought I’d do something I’ve never done in my years of speaking, I actually scripted it out. I wrote it out in letter-form to hopefully be concise without forgetting anything, although I doubt parting words can ever be complete. Here it is below, or you can also download it as a pdf To my brothers and sisters, friends, fellow seekers and sojourners What a…

• Birds

  Lon

  17 Jan 2012 | 2:41 pm

  image via shatterboxx It’s a profound thing to come to the realization that you don’t have to be where you are. Getting to where you want to be may be a completely separate journey, but if you don’t allow yourself to dream of distant places, that’s all they’ll ever be. You’re freer than you think. Note – distant places may cost you everything – which is why so few of us will even dare to entertain the thought.

• The year that past

  Lon

  4 Jan 2012 | 12:27 pm

  My memory is dismal so it’s always important for me to reflect and write. Life is short, but it can be incredibly broad. Some snippets of 2011: Family rocked. We celebrated our eighth astonishing year of marriage and are raising two wonder-filled daughters. My wife kicked it into high gear doing double duty as a teacher and photographer Took over the house I was raised in, and all the work that comes along with it. Worked at leading our faith community through transitions – new location, sudden death of a friend and leader, conflicts and daring new directions Incorporated a…

• Fully human

  Lon

  5 Dec 2011 | 8:59 am

  I wrote in the past on ‘what if Christians were human‘ – I love Marlon Hall’s take in the video on being human and imagination and what gives him hope today.

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  Conrad Hilario Audio

• Wise Dealings With Friends: The Book of Proverbs

  Conrad Hilario

  19 Jan 2012 | 1:14 pm

  The book of Proverbs speaks to some of the most practical areas of life. In this study we will talk about one of the most important skills in life: how to build friendships. This study is particularly urgent in light of the growing sense of isolation and loneliness in America. Join us as we explore what God has to say about friendships in the book of Proverbs.

• Managing Your Wealth and Finances Wisely: The Book of Proverbs

  Conrad Hilario

  11 Jan 2012 | 12:34 am

  This week, we will be taking a topical approach to the issue of wealth and finances. Join us as we talk about this practical issue and see what God has to say about your wealth and finances.

• The Fool and The Sluggard

  Conrad Hilario

  10 Jan 2012 | 10:30 pm

  In this passage, we will be studying two characters: the fool (kesil) and the sluggard. The kesil is one of the five types of fools descibed in the book of Proverbs. In this passage, we will talk about the folly of this specific type of fool, and we will discuss how to wisely interact with him or her. The other character we will be studying is the sluggard, the lazy person. In this talk, we will discuss what God has to say about inactivity and laziness and how we can become more diligent.  

• Does the Christian Life Work?: Proverbs 3:1-12

  Conrad Hilario

  24 Dec 2011 | 12:50 am

  In this passage, God instructs us to live a wise life and to acknowledge him in all ways. And if we do, he promises to bless us. Yet, experience seems to suggest otherwise. There are people who are devoted to follow God and yet still suffer. And there are people who do not acknowledge God in their lives and yet prosper. Therefore, does the book of Proverbs promise too much? In this teaching we will try to answer this question.

• Being Skilled At Living: Proverbs 1:1-7

  Conrad Hilario

  18 Dec 2011 | 1:41 am

  We are kicking off our new series in the book of Proverbs. This week, we will be introducing the book. We will talk about who wrote the book, the nature of wisdom literature, and how it applies to our lives. Wisdom is the skill of living life well according to God's design. Join us as we understand God's design for our life and how to live accordingly.

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  Eden Life Magazine

• Checklist to Financial Freedom

  Christian Personal Finance

  26 Jan 2012 | 10:27 am

  Article by Bob Lotich for Christian PF | Romans 13:8 "Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law." I love checklists. Especially when I want to make progress in a particular area but don’t exactly know what steps to take. This is a personal financial checklist that covers all the steps I have taken over last 5-7 years that have helped me move from being a financial mess to having a little bit of an idea of what’s going on. Some of the listed items are bigger and will take a long time, and some of them are simple tasks that you…

• Does Time Really Heal all Wounds?

  Femi Awodele

  26 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am

  Many of us have heard the adage time heals all wounds and have perhaps used it ourselves in conversations. As I meet with couples I have also noticed that many folks run away from discussing their problem thinking or assuming that with time the issue will go away. Case Study One Esau and Jacob were twin brothers who were different from each other. As young men, Jacob tricked their father (Isaac) into giving him the first born blessing instead of his brother Esau. Discovering his brother’s trick Esau vowed to kill his twin brother. Jacob took to his heels and lived away from home for more…

• God’s Promise of Restoration

  Eden Life

  26 Jan 2012 | 12:00 am

  Ezekiel 36:33,35 “‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “On the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will also enable you to dwell in the cities, and the ruins shall be rebuilt…So they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden; and the wasted, desolate, and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited.” God declared through Ezekiel what would be of Israel in the time of their cleansing. This was at a time when the sins of the nation had contaminated the land, causing it to be desolate. Sin corrupts beauty! The root of all problems is found…

• In His Presence

  Eden Life

  24 Jan 2012 | 9:08 am

  Genesis 3:8 “And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day…” Man was created to live in the presence of God. Genesis reveals that God must have had a practice of coming down in the cool of the day to fellowship with His creation. Fellowship is a deep intimate communion among the same kind. Genesis 1:26 says that man was created in the image and likeness of God to have dominion. Man was given a will and was able to make choices, but we must understand that this doesn’t mean he was created to be sovereign. Man though having a will was expected to…

• Rule Your World

  Eden Life

  19 Jan 2012 | 9:15 am

  Genesis 1:28 “Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion…” When God created mankind, He had a purpose for humanity as a whole. Everyone born into the earth has a purpose, a role to play as a part of God’s overarching plan. This plan is to establish the system of heaven on earth, or to establish a physical heaven upon the earth. He created man upon the earth for the purpose of dominion (Gen.1:26). Dominion means authority, rule, administration. In order for mankind to have such authority, rule, and…

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  Inspirations from Phather Phil

• Thankful Thursday: An Opportunity to Share

  PhatherPhil

  26 Jan 2012 | 9:15 pm

  Dear Lord; Happy Thankful Thursday Father! Today Lord, I’m truly Blessed to be sharing some of the inspirations you’ve given me over at a fellow blogger and friend’s site; Healthy Spirituality. Jean’s blog is always an amazing source of encouragement, education and inspiration to me Father, and I was absolutely honored when she asked me to write a post for her.  I’ll admit it Lord, I struggled for some time with what I felt You wanted me to share, and then again with finding the right phrasing to bring that truth to life.  Thankfully though Father, the words did come and I pray…

• Our Past Does Not Define Us

  PhatherPhil

  26 Jan 2012 | 7:28 am

  “Though I say to the righteous that he shall surely live, yet if he trusts in his righteousness and does injustice, none of his righteous deeds shall be remembered, but in his injustice that he has done he shall die. Again, though I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ yet if he turns from his sin and does what is just and right, if the wicked restores the pledge, gives back what he has taken by robbery, and walks in the statutes of life, not doing injustice, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the sins that he has committed shall be remembered against him.

• Called to Share

  PhatherPhil

  25 Jan 2012 | 2:57 pm

  “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written,…

• Combatting the Onslaught

  PhatherPhil

  23 Jan 2012 | 12:32 pm

  “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” – Ephesians 6:13-17 (ESV) Each and every day, our hearts…

• Joining Together in Unity

  PhatherPhil

  20 Jan 2012 | 3:50 pm

  “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT) As members of the Body of Christ, one of our most important responsibilities is to join with other believers; to worship together, to encourage one another, and to reach out in unity and share the ministry and message of our Savior.

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  RayDeck3's Blog

• Ways to Be More Creative: #85 Distinguish Ideas from Emotions

  25 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

  It can be hard to tell the difference between ideas and emotions, but it is essential for any person involved in creative work to learn how. Both ideas and emotions are abstract (non-physical), but have the potential to become concrete (physical) things. Ideas become paintings, essays or events while emotions become words, actions or habits. Ideas can be developed into works of creative achievement like paintings, book or sculptures while emotions become monuments to our individuality like words, actions or habits. The two become very tightly woven together. It is rare to have an idea that…

• Dry Bones

  23 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

  I want to show you how two different artists can experience the same thing & create two vastly different works of art. The source material in this particular case is Ezekiel 37:1-14, a unique passage of scripture, in which Ezekiel prophesizes to a valley full of dead bones and they come to life supernaturally. The metaphor is pretty clear: nothing is beyond God's power to repair or resurrect.  Two different creative teams looked at this passage of scripture & celebrated a very profound message in their own artform. First, check out this video by danDifelice & Company.  …

• Ways to Be More Creative: #84 Be Cold-Hearted

  18 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

  Empathy will paralyze imaginative thinking. If you can shed the instinct to treat ideas like people, and deal with them objectively you will be more creative. Creative people love their work. We all do, and that’s a good thing. We give our best because we love what we do; we love the process and the results. We get a great deal of pride from the finished product. That emotional investment is a good thing. It raises the stakes a little and gives us a reason to work hard. The problem arises when we have to make hard decisions about our ideas. Sometimes, our ideas stink. There’s no…

• Script Download: Called

  16 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

  Called was written for & performed at the Word of Life Bible Institute Missions Conference at both campuses in the United States (Schroon Lake, NY & Hudson, FL). This particular piece is written in 4 parts, and is designed to be spread out over several days with a different part in each meeting. We approached the question, "How do I know if I am called to missions?" through the eyes of a very innocent young college student named Mark. He poses the question to a veteran missionary who was giving a gues lecture in his class. The two characters banter back and forth communicating…

• Ways to Be More Creative: #83 Seek Out Competition

  11 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

  I know many creative people who are stifled because they hide from other creative people. They shun anyone who might be seen as a competitor or an opponent. It is pride, and it is a huge mistake. I believe that insecurity is often the cause for this kind of creative isolation, but it doesn’t much matter the cause, isolation will cause whatever potential or talent may exist to whither up and die. I get it. Really, I do. Nobody likes to be shown up. It’s hard to invest time with someone who seems to possess everything that you are striving for. It can result in resentment and envy.