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Holy Experience
Old Love

Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience

1 Jul 2009 | 9:00 pm

He came bearing jam from a dead woman's hand,found at the bottom of a freezer he was cleaning outand when he handed it to me,like a ruby artifact dug up from the bowels of Pompeii,I could only think of her bones in the cemetery these two long years,rain and snow and sun falling on silent gravestone,and yet still she will serve us jamand still we will thank her and lick our lips,tasting the sweetness of love.But it took weeks before we finally broke the jar's seal,(who could bear to? lid with her handwriting that made me hurt),before we popped that lid open that she had screwed tight three…
Journaling as a Spiritual Discipline: 8 Reasons to Journal (& some inspiration)

Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience

30 Jun 2009 | 10:00 pm

My longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you." ~Ps. 38:91. Because journaling is a place to be unmasked and meet GodSo we lay ourselves out on the page....“A journal can become a sacred place,” writes Magaret Feinberg. “Mere blank pages are transformed into a site where you can record the most intimate parts of your soul. A place where you can travel with your deepest thoughts and confessions. A place where you can slip off the mask of who you are supposed to be and slip into something more comfortable: who you really are.”We lay who we really are before…
Conversation: How Can I be a better Wife?

Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience

29 Jun 2009 | 9:30 pm

I ask him at the end of the trail, the end of the weekend, the end of fifteen years. I ask him before we set out again.We sit under the oaks, green banners flying in the wind. There had been a pause in our passing of words back and forth and it was what I was really wondering, so I’d stepped out into the fear (who knows how’d he answer?) and just released the words, slow and quiet, one at a time.“How could I be a better wife to you?”His eyes hold me. Like he knew we were coming to this. This bare, unashamed place. Intimacy is only a possibility when we slip out of small talk and…
Multitudes on a Monday

Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience

29 Jun 2009 | 1:30 am

Counting the multitudes on a Monday... the best way to begin a week!1026. It had been too long since I stretched out and watched leaves dance.Lures on the ends of twigs, bobbing in blue, they caught me and I floated.1027. In early morning still, our words unfurled at water's edge over glasses of orange juice, a long conversation blooming a delicate memory.1028. When he slammed it over the fence, I squealed louder than the kids, and we all wildly cheer him in over home plate. I feel eighteen again when he flashes that grin.1029. He's always wanted to fly. Come summer, he takes to the sky. The…
State of the House and Poets' Dreams

Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience

26 Jun 2009 | 1:30 am

I think of it every Thursday, our cleaning day. We dust and pick up and scrub down and toss out and tidy up all our creativity still in process, the necessary trail of our 10,000 hours (the legos, the wood, the paper, the nails, the books, the paints, the material, the pots and pans) and I think of words from the novel, The Diary of a Country Priest:"A parish is bound to be dirty. A whole Christian society's a lot dirtier. ..."Some filth! Which all goes to prove, boy, that the church must needs be a sound housewife -- sound and sensible. My nun wasn't a real housewife; a real housewife knows…

Stuff Christians Like
#251. The "everyone is on vacation, anything goes" church service.

3 Jul 2009 | 3:00 am

Happy Fourth of July weekend. Even though this is an American holiday, I thought it might be good to repost an idea about a church service phenomenon that I think happens internationally as well as in the US. (This is also the answer to the question, "Where did the Skittles thing come from?")This post is probably going to happen to you this Sunday if you live in America. Or maybe on the Sunday before Anzac day in Australia. Or perhaps even on the Sunday before Victoria Day if you live in Canada. Wherever you are, just be ready, be warned, be prepared for candies to rain down because some…
#572. Getting kids ready for Sunday School.

2 Jul 2009 | 3:25 am

I don't want to brag, but if getting kids ready for church in the morning was an Olympic sport, I would own a million gold medals.If it were the Grammy's, I wouldn't have to rush the stage like ODB from the Wu Tang Clan to grab the mic from Shawn Colvin and yell, “Wu Tang is for the children,” because I'd already be up there accepting an award.If it were the Oscars, I'd have a veritable army of bald headed golden men marching across my mantle.I guess what I'm trying to say is, "I'm good at getting my kids ready for Sunday School."I wasn't always though. I used to fumble my way through the…
#571. Using "we live in a fallen world" as an excuse not to do anything about it.

1 Jul 2009 | 2:59 am

We are developing faster, smarter ways to mess up our lives. Thirty years ago, the Internet didn't exist and no one started off their testimony with the line, "Things were going well until I discovered Internet porn." Now though, if I had a nickel for every time I heard that I would easily be a Christian Thousandaire and wouldn't need to start my Stuff Christians Like scented candle line as a way to earn extra cake.We can download, connect, and social network our lives into the pit in about 4 seconds. We don't even need a computer to do it, we can be in a meeting on our iPhones having side…
Los Angeles, Christian Web Conference, Sept 11-12

1 Jul 2009 | 2:55 am

The folks at the Christian Web Conference have invited me to come out to Los Angeles and talk about the role satire plays in sharing our faith. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun and some other people that I’m really forward to seeing will be there including Tim Challies, Abraham Piper and Anne Jackson.If you’re in the LA area and can swing by on Friday, come hang out. I speak at 11 on Friday morning and then participate in a panel discussion on Friday afternoon at 4:30 with a handful of people that have roughly 19 million years more experience than I do. Expect me to be…
#570. Getting disappointed when you don't have a life changing moment on a retreat.

30 Jun 2009 | 3:00 am

Hey God, it's me, Jon. This has been one amazing retreat. Thanks for showing up in so many cool ways this weekend. Those moments were all just appetizers though, pre-gaming for the big event, the Saturday night session. You ready for this? This is kind of like the grand finale of the retreat. Time to do some crying and some laying down of things.Remember last year? That was crazy. They actually had a wooden cross and I went down front and gave up a bunch of stuff and felt drawn to your altar like a magnet. That was an insane time of closeness and awesomeness. I don't want to be demanding with…

The Acton Institute - Acton News & Commentary
The Paradox of Liberty

1 Jul 2009 | 8:18 am

Kevin Schmiesing reflects on the nature of freedom and our tendency, as frail and flawed people, to sacrifice freedom for fleeting comforts. "The vigilance demanded to protect freedom is watchfulness over the potential abuses of powerful institutions: political, commercial, and even religious," he writes. "But it is first and foremost a conscientious scrutiny of our own motives and actions."
Veterans First on Health Care

24 Jun 2009 | 6:53 am

The health care reform debate has focused on expanding coverage to all Americans. But how is the government meeting its obligations to military veterans? Not so good, reports Ray Nothstine. "The government needs to prove it can handle existing obligations before proposing the adoption of any universal government plan," he says.
Can Central Banks Be More Insulated from Politics?

17 Jun 2009 | 8:23 am

Central banks have historically been subject to political pressure of varying degrees, no more so than during the present economic crisis. Sam Gregg maintains that "one of the financial crisis' long-term effects will be to raise questions about central banks' ability to maintain an independent monetary policy during periods of economic stress: that is, precisely when such independence is most important."
The First Reform

10 Jun 2009 | 7:28 am

"Institutions are secondary, personal morality is primary," Oskari Juurikkal reminds us. "But personal morality is more than a collection of abstract values and principles. Those too are subordinate to the real questions: Who am I? What is the purpose and meaning of my existence? Who made me, and what for?"
Patients’ Choice Act -- A Better Prescription

3 Jun 2009 | 7:22 am

Dr. Donald Condit looks at a new federal proposal called the Patients' Choice Act, which promises more freedom in choosing health care insurance. "The PCA will enhance patient and family ability to afford health care insurance and incentivize healthier lifestyles," Condit writes. "In addition, it would surpass other options in fulfilling our social responsibility to the poor and vulnerable.

Baptist Standard
'Helping Hand' ministry shows God’s love to West Dallas

3 Jul 2009 | 1:32 am

Brother Bill’s Helping Hand in West Dallas teams up with multiple agencies to provide resources to more than 900 families each year.
Christian leaders push president to reform immigration law

3 Jul 2009 | 12:52 am

Christian leaders, including three members of President Obama’s faith advisory council, pushed the president to make good on his promise of comprehensive immigration reform.
CBF moderator urges General Assembly to celebrate movement

2 Jul 2009 | 8:00 am

Following a year of financial hardship, the moderator of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship urged the group's General Assembly July 2 to celebrate the movement's success and potential for the future.
CBF adjusts to budget shortfall

1 Jul 2009 | 2:19 pm

Eight months into the fiscal year, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship's revenues were 20 percent below budget, the group's Coordinating Council learned July 1. But -- thanks to a plan in place since March to reduce spending to match the projected shortfall -- leaders said the organization is not facing a budget crisis.
Hispanic Baptist Convention elects new president, appoints committee

30 Jun 2009 | 9:22 am

Victor Rodriguez, pastor of South San Filadelfia Baptist Church in San Antonio, was elected president of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas in a close vote June 29.

Behind the Books
Radio Interview about Editing

18 Jun 2009 | 9:29 am

Our author Father Albert Haase guest-hosted Morning Air on Relevant Radio yesterday morning. Part of his morning schedule was to interview his editor. Me. You can hear Father Albert and I talking about the work of a Christian book editor at www.RelevantRadio.com. Here’s a link.
We're Changing Behind the Books

15 Jun 2009 | 1:00 pm

For all of you who are following Behind the Books, we want to announce a few changes we are making to the blog this summer. Our plans include adding a few more writers to our blogging team: Our publicity managers, Heather Mascarello, Adrianna Wright and Krista Carnet, will post about upcoming events and about books that relate to daily news and cultural trends. More of our new authors will post about the message or ministry they hope to advance with their books. Our acting director of digital publishing, Sally Craft (that’s me), will keep you up to date on our efforts in getting IVP…
National Day of Prayer - and Action

7 May 2009 | 6:59 am

For the National Day of Prayer, here’s an op-ed piece by the authors of Becoming the Answer to Our Prayers: Let Us Pray… And Act By Shane Claiborne and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove Millions of Americans will gather today in hotel ballrooms and on town squares, in church buildings and on campus lawns for National Day of Prayer. Millions of other Americans will, no doubt, look on this public religious act with some suspicion. Is National Day of Prayer a hang-over from the days of the Religious Right? Are those who gather protesting President Obama’s assertion that we are not a…
An End

28 Apr 2009 | 2:41 pm

This is my last chance to share my thoughts on IVP and my experience. I would like to say something profound or entertaining or useful. I don't really know if that will happen, but this is what I know: I am very thankful. I wanted experience working at a book publisher that was not in New York. I wanted to graduate college in three years with internship experience. I got these things. "Awesome coworkers," however, was not necessarily on my list of requirements for an internship. Who knew that there were so many funny and joyful people all bunched in a little corner of Westmont, Illinois? Not…
Blurbmania: The Next Evangelicalism and Deep Church

15 Apr 2009 | 12:29 pm

One of the necessary parts of the publishing process is soliciting endorsements for new books. Sometimes authors do it directly, and other times the publisher approaches potential endorsers on their behalf. There’s never-ending debate on whether or not endorsements ultimately make much of a difference, but I am often excited by what endorsers say about our books. Here are a couple cases in point, for two books assessing the state of the evangelical church in North America. Soong-Chan Rah’s The Next Evangelicalism recently came in from the printer. Just as we were finalizing the…

Bible.org Women -
The Holy Spirit and the Body of Believers in Biblical Decision-Making

Heather A. Goodman

3 Jul 2009 | 7:58 am

As we come to our final week on this series of biblical decision-making, we'll look at wise counsel. God has provided the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus called our Counselor, and the body of believers. read more
Accountabilty: a Dirty Word?

Jamie Lath

2 Jul 2009 | 5:32 am

Accountability can be so painful. There's the pain of bearing your soul to another and sharing the dark places in your life. Yes, that’s painful, but in a healing and good way. But there's also the bearing of one’s soul and then the tearing and ripping of said soul by the “faithful” listener on the other end. With both things a possibility, should we keep on holding one another accountable or not? read more
Love Rehearsal

Sharifa Stevens

30 Jun 2009 | 10:00 pm

Yesterday, my husband not only washed a load of laundry, but he also folded said laundry and put it away. The day before that, he helped me make cookies (and they fill my tummy with gastronomical joy! They are perfection molded in his hands). He always leaves the toilet seat down. Every day, he greets me with a wide grin when he comes home. He tells me I am beautiful. read more
Breaking the Third Commandment

Carol Fruge

30 Jun 2009 | 1:21 pm

Nobody does it better than Christians: taking the LORD’s name in vain. Not the corrosive cursing, imprecatory use of God or Jesus Christ as expletives, nothing so obvious and odious to the ear, but rather ascribing to God things he may or may not have done. Conversation with a friend who continued to insist that her search for a house ended when she made a list of everything she wanted, prayed about it and then the very next day walked into a house that she and her husband subsequently bought.read more
Saddened and Warned

Gwynne Johnson

29 Jun 2009 | 6:08 am

Most of us learned of Governor Sanford’s personal failure this week with a deep sense of sorrow, both for his family and for once again seeing the cause of Christ ridiculed as one of our own succumbed to temptation.Yet, I trust that we were also warned in our spirit of similar temptation and dangers that confront us as well.read more

Menlo Park Presbyterian Church Sermon-Cast
aka: "Judge"

29 Jun 2009 | 10:47 am

This week John Ortberg continues the series called, "aka." In the sermon, "Judge," John talks about God the judge and our role in seeing justice done here on earth."He has shown you, O man, what is good,and what does the Lord require of youbut to do justice, and to love kindness,and to walk humbly before your God." Micah 6:6-8Check out our weekly Sermon-Cast HERE
aka: "Creator"

15 Jun 2009 | 11:56 am

This week Nancy Ortberg continues the series called, "aka." In the sermon, "Creator," Nancy talks about God the creator and the three postures that we can take in response to God's creation: Wonder, Protection, Fighter.Check out our weekly Sermon-Cast HERE
aka: "Redeemer"

8 Jun 2009 | 11:21 am

This week John Ortberg kicks off a new series called, "aka." In the sermon, "Redeemer," John talks about the redeeming attribute of God as he takes us through biblical examples starting in Genesis.Check out our weekly Sermon-Cast HERE
Dispatch 'em

1 Jun 2009 | 12:44 pm

Jim Candy teaches the fourth sermon in the series, "Hatch 'em, Patch 'em, Match 'em, Dispatch 'em." In the sermon, "Dispatch 'em," Jim talks about the graduating Seniors and how we as a congregation can support them. He also gives a parallel to Jesus' life when he "graduates." Check out our weekly Sermon-Cast HERE
Match'em

26 May 2009 | 7:57 am

John Ortberg teaches the third sermon in the series, "Hatch 'em, Patch 'em, Match 'em, Dispatch 'em." In the sermon. "Match'em," John gives very practical advice for singles, married people, as well as parents with children who are searching for a mate about what's important in finding a spouse and "how to know that you're in love." John also covers many common myths that adults have about marriage.Check out our weekly Sermon-Cast HERE

Brian McLaren EMC
In Ireland ...

plushy55@yahoo.com

2 Jul 2009 | 6:26 am

I leave today for Summer Madness in Ireland. Please come by the sessions I'll be leading if you're there ... I don't expect to be able to post here until the middle or end of next week. But I left a rather meaty Q & R post earlier this morning for those who are interested ... God bless!
Q & R: Newbigin

plushy55@yahoo.com

2 Jul 2009 | 5:55 am

This question came in recently ... I have read your books and I am now writing [thesis] on how your thought relates to the work of Lesslie Newbigin. I would really appreciate your help in answering a few specific questions. Most of these questions regard your use of 'plausibility structures' in Finding Faith and your later pluralistic assumptions in Everything Must Change and Finding Our Way Again. More after the jump. Continue reading Q & R: Newbigin...
Gotta love Steve Martin ...

plushy55@yahoo.com

27 Jun 2009 | 7:31 pm

A tribute to the king of pop ...
some grey bloke ...

plushy55@yahoo.com

26 Jun 2009 | 7:33 pm

does it again ...
climate change ...

plushy55@yahoo.com

26 Jun 2009 | 3:37 pm

For those of us who believe Everything Must Change ... this state-of-the-art report on Climate Change in the US will be of interest. (Thanks, Gary!) An important reuters news story after the jump. (Thanks, Dorjee!) AND LATE NOTE: Today the US House of Representatives passed (219-212) the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) - AKA cap-and-trade. While many of us feel this is only a first small step ... it's an important step. ACES aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 83% by 2050. It still has to pass the Senate, but this marks a sea change in the fight against global warming in…

Global Feed
The Political Gap That Divides Generations

1 Jul 2009 | 10:32 am

Is there a generation gap among evangelical Christians when it come to voting behavior? One young voter gives a quick answer: Yes.
Joel Belz: Closing Comments on the 37th Assembly

18 Jun 2009 | 2:11 pm

While the PCA is deeply divided, it is also full of hope.
GA Agrees with Committee: No Women's Study Committee

18 Jun 2009 | 12:43 pm

After one hour of debate, the commissioners voted to reject the minority report by a margin of fewer than 20 votes.
Ridge Haven: Cost Cuts Result in Positive Cash Flow

18 Jun 2009 | 4:54 am

8.5% salary cuts that were in place last year have been repaid and salaries restored.
MNA Works to Change the Face of the PCA

18 Jun 2009 | 4:49 am

MNA has made advances in reaching out to ethnically diverse communities and people groups over the last year.

http://heatheragoodman.com/rss.xml
Tapestry: The Holy Spirit and the Body of Believers

hgoodman

3 Jul 2009 | 8:40 am

Today I finished up the wisdom series, or biblical decision-making, at Tapestry. Your preview: "When we claim that God told me such-and-such or led me to this-or-that, we disable the counsel of the community of God, another vital aspect of wisdom. Who needs others to help if God is in direct communication with us?" read more
The Creative Life: How-To Sew a Reversible Quilted Coffee Cuff

hgoodman

1 Jul 2009 | 9:18 am

On my hunt for all things and people creative, artsy, and whimsical, I met Erin Teske, artist extraordinaire and fellow Cheesecake Factory lover. At some point in our cyber (and one real-life meeting), I discovered that she makes and sells Coffee Cuffs. I love these things! I keep mine in my purse, ready to whip out at any Starbucks. And I've gotten more compliments on it than the Queen of Sheba got in her heyday. read more
And Singing "It's A Small World" 3,298 Times

hgoodman

29 Jun 2009 | 8:25 am

Here's the thing. I want to hate Disney--all the commercialization and the take-over-the-world-ization. (Seriously, just because it's a Disney movie doesn't mean it should be a Broadway musical. The world didn't need Lion King on stage.) But I can't help myself. I loved it. I love what it does for families. So, in no particular order, here are my top 10 favorite things about Disney: read more
Tapestry: Wisdom Literature

hgoodman

26 Jun 2009 | 7:33 am

Little by little, I'm re-integrating myself into normal life (which includes my cyber life). We'll reacquaint ourselves. I have so much to tell you about the arts conference I attended a few weeks ago and my Disney trip. And I have all sorts of special stuff lined up--some great guest bloggers with all sorts of creative tips and an interview with Josh Havens of The Afters (only half of which can you actually see since we decided to do the interview in his backyard as Apollos retired his carriage). read more
New Facebook Account

hgoodman

16 Jun 2009 | 9:25 am

For those of you who don't get enough of me here, check out my Facebook account, which, in keeping with the FB changes, is now http://www.facebook.com/heatheragoodman.

CatalystSpace | Catablog
What is Jesus’s Response to Depraved Media?

info@catalystspace.com

2 Jul 2009 | 3:30 am

My twitter friend, @MilanFord, is a great guy. He was recently disturbed by a very lewd song that was performed at a tribute to Michael Jackson. Rather than just stand appalled, he decided to quickly build a website (I AM NOT EVERY GIRL.com) and start a movement of people condemning the song and asking radio stations to stop playing it. The movement is a reaction against the degradation of women and a call for dialogue on how the music on the radio affects the younger generation. He's put in a lot of effort, and done a phenomenal job with his site! What do you think? Is this how Jesus wants…
LAST DAY for the Catalyst Music Project

info@catalystspace.com

1 Jul 2009 | 4:50 am

Today is the LAST DAY to submit songs to the Catalyst Music Project! We Value the local church. We value songs that move our generation. We value songwriters, musicians and worship leaders. We value the next generation of worship. Catalyst and INO Records want to help facilitate the next generation of songs from the Church by providing a platform for worship leaders, musicians and songwriters to connect their Local songs to the Global church. Thousands of leaders have been blessed with songs, with anthems of praise they believe will help the Body of Christ bring glory to Jesus in a whole new…
Backstage with Steve Fee at Catalyst ONE DAY

info@catalystspace.com

1 Jul 2009 | 3:29 am

I am a big fan, and good friends with FEE. The band has been involved with pretty much every Catalyst event/experience the last several years. Steve Fee, Matt Adkins, Heath Baltzglier, and Brandon Coker are the real deal. They are talented musicians and leaders, and also pretty fun to hang out with, as evidenced by the video below. A little behind the scenes at our recent Catalyst One Day gathering in Dallas. FEE Band- behind the scenes at Catalyst One Day from Brad Lomenick on Vimeo.
Why is Sunday so Segregated?

info@catalystspace.com

30 Jun 2009 | 3:32 am

We are the body of Christ. And we are not all the same, but we should have equal concern for one another. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink...But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. - 1 Cor. 12:13, 24, 25 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
TIME IS SHORT! LET’S GO!

info@catalystspace.com

29 Jun 2009 | 3:30 am

There's been a sudden rash of celebrity deaths. Farrah Fawcet, Billy Mays over the weekend, and - most notably - Michael Jackson. This is a reminder that TIME IS SHORT! Our life is but a vapor! (James 4:14, Psalm 39). Jesus counsels us not to live for our comfort, our selfish desires. Instead, if we give-up our life, we will truly gain it. (John 12:25) God has given us a mission, and time is short, so let's get crackin! Are you afraid of stepping-out and following the vision he's given you? Me too! LET'S DO IT ANYWAY! This world is not our home, and we will have to stand before God and give…

CatalystSpace | Articles
The Top 3 Leadership Mistakes I've Made, By Stovall Weems | Celebration Church

info@catalystspace.com

25 Jun 2009 | 5:05 am

Celebration Church turned 10 years old this past fall and I have to say that it has been an awesome ride. God has been so good and it has been deeply rewarding to watch the church grow from a launch team of just 7 people to over 10,000 in weekend attendance. While we have experienced some great milestones, there have also been some very difficult times and we’ve faced some tremendous challenges. I have made a lot of mistakes as a leader, but by God’s grace I’ve learned some really good lessons from them. In leading our church through these first ten years,…
Word Made Flesh, By Chris Heuertz

info@catalystspace.com

17 Jun 2009 | 10:10 am

Our friends can't wait another day. They need justice to come. Now. Our community, Word Made Flesh, lives among the dying. Though we are young people, it seems we routinely go to more funerals than weddings, visit more gravesites than delivery rooms. It's not uncommon for our friends to fall because of AIDS, police violence, street fights, or domestic abuse. We live in a world that cries out for justice - a world that needs God's Kingdom to come. We are sort of a peculiarity in mission. We are a community of over 200 board members, staff, interns and volunteers who have given…
Deadly Viper, By Mike Foster

info@catalystspace.com

17 Jun 2009 | 7:15 am

When we launched Deadly Viper at Catalyst two years ago we had no idea what would transpire. We weren't sure how people would receive this quirky little leadership book with lots of pictures in it. Currently we still run this thing out of my Mom and Dad's garage and we are totally trailer park. But God is doing something that is blowing our minds. Last week I was having a business lunch with a couple of guys I hadn't met before. We were discussing some new projects and getting to know each other. Then completely of out the blue one of the guys stopped our conversation and asked if he…
The 410 Bridge, By Lanny Donoho

info@catalystspace.com

16 Jun 2009 | 12:06 pm

Hi Kids,I can start this article like that because, for the most part, I am older than almost all of you who attend or read catalyst stuff. That’s good and bad. I’ve been around long enough to know what you think is entertaining and what engages you and how the heck a program ought to be produced. So, thanks to Catalyst I get to put that 93 years of experience to use…and then they let me come out on stage with a camel or an elephant, or a llama…I conducted the Guinness book of world records famous biggest pillow fight in the world, most whoopee cushions…
Q IDEAS: Ideas that Create a Better World, David Taylor & Richard Cizik

info@catalystspace.com

16 Jun 2009 | 9:45 am

Q SHORTArtists recognize, capture, and create beauty in our world of brokenness. In this short, David Taylor offers indispensible wisdom for encouraging artists in your community. Check out this Q Short preview, The Little Things: A Medication of the Art of Encouragement. Q TALKHear a unique perspective of 'creation conversation' from Richard Cizik, a leading evangelical voice called to educate others on climate change. Listen to this Q Talk here.

CCBlogs
If America were a Christian nation

Michael Ruffin

3 Jul 2009 | 10:10 am

Michael Ruffin's blog Whenever we approach the American Independence Day observance, the debate over whether or not America is a Christian nation inevitably rekindles. The debate seems to me to be shaped in three different ways. First, some people debate whether or not America was a Christian nation in the past. Many insist, and they can find pious quotes from various founding figures to support their contention, that America was founded as a Christian nation by Christian leaders. The most reasonable observers acknowledge that some of the Founding Fathers were Christians, some were agnostics,…
Welcoming the other

Julie Clawson

16 Jun 2009 | 12:15 pm

Julie Clawson's blog In my last post on experience and words an interesting conversation arose in the comments on what it means to welcome others. The question centered on whether or not emergent is welcoming of all if disagreements exist or if “us verses them” divisions exist. On one level the discussion asks the question if a person can feel welcome in a non-homogeneous group or if they are the minority. I’ve personally talked about how hard that can be for me when I feel like I am not even allowed to be myself in groups. I don’t like being the odd one out, and I know there are some…
Stolen illustration

Wayne Stacy

12 Jun 2009 | 9:25 am

Wayne Stacy's blog I’ve been grading papers in my masters degree program classes, and I constantly run up against a recurring problem: students don’t know when and how to document their sources. The academic world insists on honesty and integrity in writing and, therefore, has come up with a system for vouchsafing it. It’s called the footnote. The footnote tells the reader that what follows is not his own, that he’s borrowed an idea from someone else, but in the interest of honesty and fairness, he’s acknowledging that fact. With the move toward casualness (and irresponsibility)…
New to the CCblogs network

G. Atkinson

2 Jun 2009 | 3:55 pm

We have some new bloggers in the CCblogs network. Drop by and check them out. Religious Rhetorics - K.M. Camper is a rhetorician and a doctoral student in the English Language and Literature program at the University of Maryland in College Park, MD. His blog is a collaboration with Kari Lundgren. They offer rigourous rhetorical analysis of American religious language. Disciple's Diary - Wayne Stacy has taught at Southern Seminary, Midwestern Seminary, and Palm Beach Atlantic University. He now resides in western North Carolina with Cheryl, his wife of 39 years, where he teaches in the…
Reflections on Pentecost

G. Atkinson

30 May 2009 | 4:28 pm

Pentecost - the Sunday of the Holy Spirit. While evangelicals are used to emphasizing the Holy Spirit in their language and theology, mainline churches are often more reticent. What is being said about the Holy Spirit around Pentecost Sunday among CCbloggers? When Love Comes to Town - "Pentecost, Peace, and Grace." Theolog - Donna Schaper writes about a double miracle. I-YOUniverse - John Hamilton confesses that the Holy Spirit resides in his heart but not in his mouth. Reflectionary - Martha Hoverson is asked to do a funeral the week before Pentecost . Don't Eat Alone - Milton…

The Christian Post RSS Feed
LWF Head Urges Religious Leaders to Reject Islamophobia

3 Jul 2009 | 1:30 pm

The head of the Lutheran World Federation urged religious leaders from around the world to renounce Islamophobia during a conference convened by the president of Kazakhstan.
Creationists Reach Out to Teachers with Darwin Bibles

3 Jul 2009 | 12:21 pm

Creation proponents are distributing thousands of creationist materials and Darwin Bibles to attendees at the National Education Association's annual meeting in San Diego this week.
Judge Denies Request to Suspend Proposition 8

3 Jul 2009 | 8:54 am

A federal judge on Thursday rejected a request from lawyers seeking to suspend enforcement of a California same-sex marriage ban.
Sanford Tragedy a Cautionary Tale for Christians, Says Colson

3 Jul 2009 | 7:19 am

A prominent evangelical leader is urging Christians to see the tragedy surrounding South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford as a âcautionary taleâ and to break away from acts â big or small â that âbetrayâ the Lord.
ELCA Head: Church Unity Will Not Be Lost by Vote

3 Jul 2009 | 7:17 am

The head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) said this week that he has âdeep confidenceâ that the unity within the nationâs largest Lutheran denomination will not be lost amid concerns that a âchurch-dividing decisionâ might result from next monthâs churchwide assembly.

Christian Today
Christian Institute concerned over new atheist summer camp

3 Jul 2009 | 7:28 am

An atheist summer camp for children has been set up in Somerset England to offer a godless alternative to religious camps has been criticised by a Christian leader
Care Not Killing welcomes BMA decision on assisted suicide

3 Jul 2009 | 7:07 am

The Care not Killing Alliance has welcomed the British Medical Associations decision to oppose any decriminalisation of assistance with suicide
Moderator opens Glasgow counselling centre

3 Jul 2009 | 6:19 am

The Moderator of the Church of Scotland has opened a new Glasgow counselling centre offering training courses such as gambling addiction therapy and bereavement care
Church planting brings church leaders together

3 Jul 2009 | 4:52 am

Church leaders from a broad range of backgrounds are uniting to create Mission21 the UKs largest church planting gathering
Sixthformers raise awareness of child mortality

3 Jul 2009 | 4:35 am

More than 600 sixth formers celebrated reaching their fifth birthday on Tuesday to highlight the plight of children in the developing world who do not have the same chance

Out of Ur
Limited Too is Now Justice

1 Jul 2009 | 11:00 pm

by Troy Jackson Recently I needed to repair my car and chose a mechanic across the street from Kenwood Towne Center near Cincinnati. Typically, when a mall is too proud to call itself a mall, the shops are upscale, and Kenwood is no exception. So while my vehicle was repaired, I went to the mall for an overpriced cup of coffee. My eye caught an unexpected store name. In bright pink letters across the entry was “Justice,” with a heart dotting the “i” for good measure. Seeing no photos of Martin Luther King or Gandhi or Dorothy Day, I looked up again to make sure I had read the sign…
Gospel Coalition or Expedition?

by David Fitch

30 Jun 2009 | 7:36 am

The Gospel Coalition (TGC) has been galvanizing many younger evangelicals to re-think their theology and practice. I applaud this new theological energy. But I wonder (given its moniker) whether TGC will be a force for coalition or expedition. “Coalition” describes the coalescing of a group of people or nations in order to defend some boundary or prepare for war (think Pres. Bush’s “coalition of the willing”). “Expedition,” on the other hand, is the organizing of a group to prepare for an adventure into unknown territory. Will TGC be a coalition for hardening doctrinal lines to…
Ur Video: Consumerism and Church Buildings

24 Jun 2009 | 11:00 pm

Skye Jethani's new book, The Divine Commodity: Discovering a Faith Beyond Consumer Christianity, outlines what happens when the consumer worldview and the Christian worldview collide. In this video, Jethani is interviewed by Marian Liautaud from Your Church magazine about the impact of consumerism on ministry space design. Hear more from Skye Jethani about overcoming Consumer Christianity at the STORY conference October 28-29 in Chicago. Learn more about the event at storychicago.com.
Scot McKnight: The Story Called Us

by Scot McKnight

24 Jun 2009 | 7:42 am

At the end of his lecture and after answering a smattering of questions, the pristine and aged New Testament scholar, Bruce Metzger, asked Doug Moo if he could share something on his heart to the seminary students gathered that day. With the moral vigor and verbal clarity Metzger was known for, he looked at his audience and simply said, "Stay married." I can't remember the last time I heard a sermon called "Stay Married," or even a sermon that dealt with reasons to stay married. I suppose we can guess why this is so. At the top of my reasons would be a fear to offend the many—some say as…
Do It, Don't Blog It

by Dan Kimball

22 Jun 2009 | 2:48 pm

I was a guest speaker at a church, waiting for my time to go up to the platform. That's when I saw something curious. The staff person responsible for coordinating the worship service was busy typing away on her laptop. Perhaps a last minute change to the PowerPoint, I thought. But as I walked behind her, I saw that she was consumed with typing a message on someone's Facebook wall. It felt out of place to me, given that she was the person responsible for leading God's people in worship but she seemed mentally someplace else. I had a similar experience while visiting a Christian college.

Prodigal Magazine
There I Fixed It

tjamlee

2 Jul 2009 | 8:36 am

thereifixedit.com Just for fun I had to put this up as I have to admit that I have used duct tape a few times in my life to fix things other then an air duct. You should see my lawn mower right now its not pretty, but unlike the pictures on this site my lawn mower doesn’t pose any serious consequences. Take a look at a few quick fixes that are hard to believe. Failed. Who needs a trailer? Not this guy. Hot Water? Just plug in the water heater. Helpful tips – Don’t do any of the posted hacks! But do add this blog “There I Fixed It” to your RSS reader for a good…
To my prodigal family. Thank you

admin

29 Jun 2009 | 2:38 pm

Hey guys, It has been awhile since I wrote a blog post, the Table Project, is keeping me pretty busy, but after receiving this letter from a supporter of the magazine, I felt overwhelmed to send you all a message. When I started Prodigal about 5 years ago this Sept. I honestly didn’t know how long it would run. Life changes, circumstances change etc. and I have not always been the most disciplined person in my life. However, for some reason, God has kept this thing going. Through anger towards God after my father died, to changing jobs 3 times, to moving back and forth from…
Do women have just as hard of time keeping their purity?

swenell

26 Jun 2009 | 9:09 am

Hi, I’m Shanelle or you can call me Eve , I am a 27 year old Christian woman, with a degree in Psychology. I just got married recently, and am currently pursuing my master’s in Marriage and Family Counseling. I am not a doctor, or Professional Psychologist yet, nor do I have all the answers, but if you just want a Christian woman’s honest opinion — drop it in the box and I will do my best to answer you shortly. Enter your question: Ask Eve NEW AT TOP Question: Hi Eve, my name is Max. I’m 16 years old, and as most teenage guys, am totally attracted to woman. Being…
25 things I’ve learned in my life

ssutton

23 Jun 2009 | 11:24 am

Recently, I read an article written by a 90-year old woman entitled 45 Things I’ve Learned in Life. It was a great article, and I really identified with many of the things she listed. Just for yuks, I decided to compile my own list, and now I’ve decided to share it with you. It’s in no particular order (and, no, I didn’t steal any of her list!). Perception is not reality; reality is reality. Get the facts before you judge. I cannot control what others do or say, only what I do & say. God will only hold me accountable for what I do & say. My children are my destiny. Everything…
Jesus: Truth, Legend or Conspiracy?

admin

22 Jun 2009 | 9:39 am

All to Crazy As someone at my local church, described the crazy details behind the religion of Scientology, about the levels of knowledge you master and the history of the sci-fi book from which much of the theology came from, I pondered on my own beliefs. Almost as quickly as I said, “how can people believe that” I quietly thought to myself, “you know, this is some crazy stuff we believe in too”, is this whole Bible thing really logical. To an outsider that has not grown up in the church his whole life, the story must sound a little outlandish. A baby comes to this Earth from…

Commonweal Magazine
Riding with Abdul

15 Jun 2009 | 8:23 am

Heat waves rise from the sun-burnt landscape as I rest in the shade of a stone column. I am in the Syrian countryside, walking in the ruins of the Roman city of Apamea. It's mid-June, and the (...)
Summer Books

15 Jun 2009 | 8:05 am

Our critics' recommendations
Up from Conservatism

15 Jun 2009 | 8:00 am

There is a poignant account of the sociologist Richard Sennett, then a radical young academic, upbraiding the great liberal elder statesman, Lionel Trilling. “You have no position,” (...)
Either/Or

15 Jun 2009 | 7:56 am

Serious thought about what there is and what it's like leads in the end to one of two conclusions: Christ or nothing. Christ-centered trinitarianism sees Jesus, the incarnate Lord, as the crux of (...)
For Better & for Worse

15 Jun 2009 | 7:53 am

Andrew Cherlin, a sociologist at Johns Hopkins University, is one of America's leading experts on the family. After closely tracking developments for the past three decades, he's decided to pull (...)

Compassion International - Christian Blog on Child Poverty
From the Archives

Web Team

3 Jul 2009 | 12:07 am

Tomorrow is Independence Day in the U.S., and we’ve got just the post in our archives for you to read. Consider it the ketchup on your hot dog, the perfect accompaniment for any Fourth of July BBQ. A Child in the Midst What if a child had been in the room during the penning of the Declaration of Independence? Do you think our founding fathers would have addressed the importance of children by adding a line stating they were seeking independence “for the future of our children?” Read the entire post Read these related posts: From The Archives Two More From the Archives From the…
10 Questions With Kenia Servellon

Nestor Reynoza

2 Jul 2009 | 12:43 am

1. How long have you been in your current position with Compassion El Salvador, and what is your job? Two years. I am a supervisor within the Sponsor Donor Services department. 2. What are the main responsibilities of your position? I make sure the sponsors have up-to-date information about the children. Not just the letters, but also new cases. I keep the biannual report updated. I make sure that pictures and information are high quality and are sent on time. 3. What is an average day like for you? I start at 8 in the morning by reading. I like to read a proverb every day. I think it helps…
A Peek Into Poverty

Meredith Dunn

1 Jul 2009 | 12:38 am

By the grace of God, the “Twinkie Project” has wrapped up a successful phase in its development. Morgan arrived back in the U.S. earlier this week. And I feel like I have caught a glimpse of what this thing could be. I’m pretty excited. Did you have a chance to read some of her latest work? Here are some excerpts. Read and pass along. Please. Share her stories. The Unexpected Picture In today’s culture it is almost a fad to put money into charities, or to buy brands that support a cause, which is great … but I wonder if that is numbing us to the reality of the world that is beyond…
How Important is Prayer?

Amber Van Schooneveld

30 Jun 2009 | 12:13 am

When I visited the boy I sponsor in India, Sarath, he didn’t talk so much. We instead communicated with the toss of a Frisbee. But at the end of the visit as he walked me back to the bus, this little boy who had said little else, said over and over, “Please pray for me. Please pray for me. Please pray for me.” Wouldn’t it be nice if I could tell you that faithfully every morning now I have kneeled to lift up Sarath and his two teenage sisters and unemployed mother? Too many mornings (and nights for that matter), I’m rushing and distracted and have forgotten the one plea Sarath made…
Holding Hope

Tim Glenn

29 Jun 2009 | 12:10 am

I will never forget something a dear friend said to me years ago. I was struggling in my Christian walk. I had hit what I presumed to be rock bottom. I told him that I had lost all hope for happiness. “Then I will hope for you,” he said, matter-of-factly. What? Is it possible to carry someone else’s hope? What a beautiful, selfless sentiment. I eventually pulled through my situation. Peace came. And I wonder how much of it was because of my friend’s odd but wonderful offer. Over the years, this concept of holding on to hope for someone else has stuck with me. To be honest, it still…

Daily Reflections
July 3 - July 10

James M. Kushiner

2 Jul 2009 | 9:13 am

Friday, July 3Numbers 4: The duties of the Levitical ministry were apportioned among their three clans. The tasks in this chapter all had to do with carrying the Tabernacle and its myriad instruments and appointment from place to place. Each time the Israelites moved away, the Tabernacle had to be disassembled and packed up, and each time Israel arrived at a new place, it was necessary to reassemble everything again.Accordingly, this chapter breaks into four sections. The first three treat of the duties of the three Levitical families, the heirs of Levi’s three sons: Kohath (verses 1-20),…

Desiring God Blog
4 Questions to Help Us Think About Missions

2 Jul 2009 | 11:18 pm

(Author: Bill Walsh) Lon Allison's article "A GPS for Global Mission" from Lausanne World Pulse sums up well the current questions and issues relevant to the global changes underway in the church. At this stage, I think questions are more helpful than anything. Here are four that Dr. Allison raises, Since the demographic shift to the Global South is at hand, how do Western mission agencies and churches respond? Resources, both financial and human, have, in general, not shifted. When should they? More importantly, how should they? How does the Church in the West welcome missionaries…
When Harsh Words Are Kind

1 Jul 2009 | 11:29 pm

(Author: Jon Bloom) Missionary to India, William Carey, once exhorted a Baptist gathering in England by saying, "Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God." I love that quote. But we must heed the Bible's warning through Simon the Magician: if we attempt great things so that others will see us as great, we are in grave spiritual peril. After Stephen had been brutally stoned to death, intense persecution broke out against the Christians in Jerusalem. Many were driven off to the towns and villages of Judea and Samaria. Philip, Stephen's co-servant to the Hellenistic widows,…
What Can We Gain from Calvin Today?

30 Jun 2009 | 11:53 pm

(Author: Abraham Piper) Several of the speakers from our upcoming conference answer the question, "What can we gain from Calvin today?" Mark Talbot We can gain an awareness that the best theology comes from ministering to people. Sam Storms We can gain a deep appreciation for the Lord's Supper. John Piper We can gain an orientation on the majesty and holiness of God. Doug Wilson We can gain a rock solid, absolute confidence in the Bible. Marvin Olasky We can gain an understanding that it's important to write clearly without losing depth. Learn more about DG's conference, "With…
45 Books DG Staff Are Reading Right Now

30 Jun 2009 | 4:24 am

(Author: Abraham Piper)Theology 1. Heaven Misplaced: Christ's Kingdom on Earth 2. Studies in the Sermon on the Mount 3. Jesus and the God of Israel 4. The Institutes of the Christian Religion 5. Drama of Doctrine: A Canonical-Linguistic Approach to Christian Theology 6. Introducing Theological Interpretation of Scripture 7. The Unfolding Mystery: Discovering Christ in the Old Testament 8. The Cross of Christ 9. Christ Is the Question 10. Signs of the Spirit: An Interpretation of Jonathan Edwards 11. Religious Affections 12. The Word Became Fresh 13. Christian Beliefs Fiction 14. The Horse and…
Register for Our Conference Soon for Lowest Rates

29 Jun 2009 | 12:41 pm

(Author: Abraham Piper)Register for our national conference today or tomorrow to get the early registration discount. You'll save $40 off a full-price ticket.

Emergent Village
The Palatable Gospel [26]

Editor

29 Jun 2009 | 2:22 am

By Nic Paton: There’s a meme that has been doing the rounds, and this is the charge, primarily from the detractors of emergent spirituality, that its followers are compromising the Gospel in their attempts to make it “more palatable” to the world. Take for example, these comments critiquing the emergent POV: “the error … in the emergent church … [is] we become whatever the audience needs us to be in order to make the gospel palatable.” (Paul Edwards talking to John MacArthur) “Their hope is to make Christianity more palatable to the world” (Marsha West) There are a number of…
How to Be a Spiritual Person [8]

Editor

24 Jun 2009 | 10:00 pm

By Christine Sine: I have been thinking a lot lately about what kinds of practices I need in my life in order to consider myself a spiritual person. It all began when I posted reflections on my blog a a few months ago on What is a Spiritual Practice? and Reimagining our Spiritual Practices. I asked people about how they connected to God and what practices most renewed their faith. The responses to these posts were astounding. Most did not mention prayer or Bible study. It seems that most people encounter and connect to God not through their daily Bible reading or through going to church, but…
How Churches Are Like Record Labels and Newspapers [5]

Editor

22 Jun 2009 | 7:30 pm

By Fernando Gros, re-posted from Fernando’s Desk: Neo-Baptist has fast become one of my favourite blogs for challenging and intelligent commentary on churchy stuff. In recent months the blog has rally found it’s voice in terms of humour, criticism and encouragement. Today’s post, on Learning To Love Generation F, really got me thinking. The point really isn’t about Facebook, per se, but rather about how online “community” is challenging our assumptions about real world community. For a long time I was a critic of what I saw of local (Baptist) church culture because it reflected…
Input Needed: Help Describe the ‘Emergent Village’ [1]

Editor

17 Jun 2009 | 8:10 am

By Tripp Fuller, re-posted from Homebrewed Christianity: While those of us who identify with the emerging conversation are generally taken back when people ask us if we are a denomination, The Handbook of Denominations is going to include the Emergent Village in its upcoming edition. Its editor is a former professor, blogger, author, friend, and really sweet podcast guest and would appreciate your feedback to the current draft. Without further ado Deacon Atwood will take over … The Handbook of Denominations is a reference guide to the Abrahamic religious bodies in America today. In the 2010…
Where In the World is the Church Emerging? [24]

Editor

8 Jun 2009 | 12:06 am

By Mike Clawson, re-posted from Emerging Pensees: Even as debate erupts across the blogosphere about whether Emergent is fizzling as a movement, those of us still committed to the friendships and ideas we’ve found here are going ahead with ideas for how to keep the ball rolling and continue to get more and more people connected with the conversation. A few days ago I posted a question here at my blog and at the Emergent Village Cohort Leaders Google Group about what Emergent Village could do to help emergent-leaning folks in rural areas get connected with one another and with the broader…

Episcopal Life Online
ECW members hope to 'Grow in Grace' at 46th triennial gathering

Episcopal Church Women (ECW) members hope to "Grow in Grace" at their 46th triennial meeting, which runs July 8-17, concurrently with the 76th General Convention, in Anaheim, California.
Executive Council asks for comment on current Anglican covenant draft

The Episcopal Church's Executive Council has asked General Convention deputations and their bishops to study and comment on the latest draft of a proposed Anglican covenant.
General Convention and new technology draw church family together

One week from today, the Episcopal Church gathers for the 76th General Convention, a triennial legislative gathering that runs from July 8 to 17 in Anaheim, California.

EPPC Publications
President Reagan and Pope John Paul II

2 Jul 2009 | 10:00 pm

They were two of the giant figures of the last half of the twentieth century -- Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II -- and they had many things in common. Both were trained actors whose craft had taught them the power of words to change minds and hearts. Both came to eminence through unconventional routes, and against the grain of a lot of the common wisdom.
Our Sophist-in-Chief

2 Jul 2009 | 10:00 pm

Obama is, he would have us believe, uniquely able to transcend old, tired, and rutted debates, to think anew, and to bring a fresh, creative approach to the problems of our time. He alone inhabits the upper world.
When the Government Runs Health Insurance

2 Jul 2009 | 10:00 pm

Obama administration officials have been promising to “bend the cost-curve” with reforms in Medicare that reward quality and pay for value, but what they have actually proposed are indiscriminate fee cuts to meet spending targets
Lessons From St. Augustine

2 Jul 2009 | 10:00 pm

Cringe-inducing public confessions like those Governor Sanford has been delivering in recent days are a sadly familiar feature of American political life today. A cynical public has grown accustomed to hearing politicians from President Bill Clinton to Senators John Edwards and David Vitter employ religious language about sin and redemption when admitting to adulterous affairs.
Dissolution of Bioethics Council is a Loss for America

2 Jul 2009 | 10:00 pm

Last month, President Barack Obama quietly disbanded the President's Council on Bioethics, a deliberative body whose changing cast of erudite and ideologically diverse members had spent the past eight years thinking through today's toughest moral questions.

Faith in the Workplace
Interview with Francis Collins (Part 2)
Love God With a Scientific Mind
Baseball

Where can you fail two thirds of the time and still be wildly successful?
What Difference Does Character Make?
Pardon Me, But Who's Chained to Whom?

FlowerDust.net
QUICK READER POLL - Help Shape This Blog!

Anne Jackson

2 Jul 2009 | 12:46 pm

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE FLOWERDUST.NET READER POLL During this blogging down time, I will probably sporadically update but it won’t be consistent. Brad is in the process of redesigning the look and functionality, and in order to make this the best experience for you, I would LOVE for you to take a quick Reader Survey. I shamelessly stole this idea (and most of the questions) from my friend Mike Hyatt. It’s around 20 questions and most are multiple choice. It should take you just a minute to complete and will provide me with valuable information to make FlowerDust.net even…
Taking Another Blogging & Twitter Break

Anne Jackson

29 Jun 2009 | 4:36 am

At least for a little while. Be back soon. Somewhere we know that without silence words lose their meaning, that without listening speaking no longer heals, that without distance closeness cannot cure. - Henri Nouwen ========== Related posts:The Drawbridge You must decide for yourself to whom and when you...Saying Goodbye to Facebook During Lent, I said “until next time…” to some of...[[LEAP!]] what do you have to lose? ... Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Caption Please

Anne Jackson

27 Jun 2009 | 5:00 am

My best friend got married last Friday. Her husband Shawn has a Harley. About ten years ago, I saw a guy get hit by an 18-wheeler on a motorcycle on I635 in Dallas (a HUGE highway). Then, my friend Denise fell off of one and had a compound fracture and now has six pins in her arm. I’ve promised I would never EVER ever ride a bike. At her rehearsal dinner cookout, peer pressure got the best of me and I got on the bike with Shawn and he actually took me out on a highway. For like, fifteen minutes. In flip flops. So with that story…caption please (for the picture below - not above!)…
BOOK GIVEAWAY - 200 Pomegranates and an Audience of One

Anne Jackson

25 Jun 2009 | 12:42 pm

One of the “second opinions” in Mad Church Disease was written by my friends Shawn Wood. I met Shawn at a conference three years ago. Shawn did a talk called “Brand Schizophrenia” which he ended with what he called “the artist’s mandate.” The mandate was pretty simple and as an artist right up my alley. Here is how Shawn puts it: We are all artists (Moms, web developers, baseball players, single dads, CEOs, Authors, Pastors etc.) and we have a mandate from God to be Great at the art we produce. The mandate is simply living a life of influence and meaning in a way that will…
Be a Lab Rat and an Early Bird

Anne Jackson

25 Jun 2009 | 7:43 am

Last year, I had the amazing opportunity to host Catalyst Backstage - a behind the scenes look at Catalyst with interviews with speakers, pastors, and conference attenders. You can see some of those interviews here. This year, I will be hosting Backstage again, and also will be speaking at Catalyst Labs with Los and Jon. As much as I love the Catalyst experience as a whole, the Lab day is secretly my favorite part of the event. Smaller environments, people sitting on the floor, up the walls, wherever there is space hearing exclusive and intimate conversation and thought by the Lab speakers.

Godspace
The Spiritual Discipline of Writing Sermons

Christine Sine

3 Jul 2009 | 8:46 am

Here is the last of the series of articles that was published recently in the MSA Seed Sampler. You might also like to check out this article by Ann Voskamp on Journalling as a Spiritual Discipline The following post is written by Mary Naegeli who has been ordained for 22 years and is a minister-member of the San Francisco Presbytery. She is currently taking an academic break from weekly preaching to teach courses in Christian formation and discipleship, preaching, and missional leadership at various campuses of Fuller Seminary. She is also working on her Doctor of Ministry degree and…
Surprised By Community: the Spirituality of Blogging

Christine Sine

2 Jul 2009 | 8:41 am

Here is the second of the articles that appeared in the recent MSA Seed Sampler that I wanted to highlight in the series What is a Spiritual Practice. This article is by Tim Mathis who lives in Seattle with his wife Angel. He currently aspires to be an Episcopal priest, writer and member of the Anglican Order of St Stephen. He shares the blog Relatively Faithful with his brother Shayne. ————————————————————————————- For…
Twitter as a Spiritual Practice.

Christine Sine

1 Jul 2009 | 4:43 pm

The July MSA Seed Sampler was published today. Its topic is Writing as a Spiritual Practice and there are several articles that I wanted to share with you over the next few years as an introduction to the summer series What is a Spiritual Practice. Gerard and Chrissie Kelly The first article is by Gerard Kelly the founder of the Bless Network with his wife Chrissie who live in the Netherlands, where he is Senior Pastor of Crossroads Amsterdam, a church of 40 nationalities. Gerard is an incredible poet and has blogged some of his poems at Spoken Worship more recently he has shared some of…
Virtual Eucharist: Is this a Spiritual Practice?

Christine Sine

30 Jun 2009 | 1:33 pm

In the light of my recent blog posts on what constitutes a spiritual practice I thought that I need to highlight this fascinating discussion currently going on across several blogs about whether or not we can legitimately celebrate the Eucharist on the internet. Mark Brown CEO of the NZ Bible Society posted this article a few days ago featuring the Revd Professor Paul S. Fiddes, a Baptist minister and Professor of Systematic Theology at the University of Oxford and Director of Research, Regent’s Park College, who has just written a short paper arguing in favour of celebrating Eucharist in…
A Breathing Prayer by AB Simpson

Christine Sine

30 Jun 2009 | 7:34 am

I have just been working on an article on Writing Breathing Prayers as a Spiritual Discipline for the upcoming MSA Seed Sampler – Writing as a Spiritual Discipline. In the process I came across this beautiful breathing prayer that I wanted to share with you. It is written by A.B. Simpson, who was founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance: “Breathing Out and Breathing In” Jesus, Breathe Thy Spirit on me, Teach me how to breathe Thee in, Help me pour into Thy bosom All my life of self and sin. I am breathing out my own life, That I may be filled with Thine;…

The Gospel.com Blog
Lifetime Guarantee now available via podcast

Andy

3 Jul 2009 | 9:32 am

Lifetime Guarantee’s weekly program is now available via podcast! Lifetime Guarantee is the ministry of Bill and Anabel Gillham and aims to help you “see yourself as God sees you and live as He intended.” (Our friends at Soulation might call that “being appropriately human.”) To that end, Lifetime Guarantee has quite a few resources worth checking out in addition to the weekly podcast: there’s a daily devotional (that you can subscribe to via email if you like) and weekly article series that touches on topics ranging from dealing with worry to learning from…
International Aid closes down

Andy

2 Jul 2009 | 10:56 am

Some sad news from a major international ministry and member of the Gospel.com community: International Aid has closed down due to financial struggles and difficulty in raising support. International Aid has provided help and critical resources to millions in response to disasters like Hurricane Katrina, the 2004 tsunami, and 9/11. This news story covers the ministry’s shutdown, but also has a nice tribute to the tremendous disaster relief work International Aid has carried out over the years: I hope you’ll join me in thanking God for International Aid’s long and successful…
Planting Churches in New Lands

Chris Salzman

1 Jul 2009 | 12:39 pm

How would you go about planting a church where there are no churches and are no Christians? For many Christians living in the Western world, this situation is almost inconceivable: we’re surrounded by churches on all sides. Even in the least churched areas of the country, there are still a few scattered across the landscape. A recent Lausanne pulse article by Younoussa Djao details some of the philosophy that goes into planting new churches in new places. He identifies seven tenants that one can use as a guide for understanding where and how to plant a church: I. Go Where Jesus Is about…
Is Sunday School failing?

Andy

30 Jun 2009 | 12:30 pm

Did you happen to catch Answers in Genesis’ “State of the Union” address last week? It presented some very interesting facts about why and when people leave the church and the Christian faith. You can watch it online here. Answers in Genesis is a creationist ministry, and that worldview is certainly the centerpoint of their address; but no matter what beliefs you hold about evolution and creation, you’ll find some of the research results fascinating. Here’s a few bullet points, taken from Kent Shaffer’s excellent Church Relevance blog: Among 20- to…
The Church in Iran

Chris Salzman

24 Jun 2009 | 8:53 am

Where there’s political strife, there’s religious strife, and in Iran, the two are inextricably intertwined. Ever since the Iranian elections a few weeks ago, the political climate there has been tenuous at best. There have been massive protests, violence on the streets and even some deaths. Here in the United States, we’ve been inundated with Youtube videos and round-the-clock reporting. It’s definitely a situation that will take months to unravel, and the turmoil is showing no signs of slowing down. Mission Network News is—as always—dutifully reporting on…

HighCallingBlogs.com
Undercover Christianity

redletterbelievers

3 Jul 2009 | 11:55 am

The Life on Purpose blog asks the question, “why don’t you talk about your faith at work?” In my personal experience, as well as interviewing hundreds of people of faith, I have found several possible reasons: • Other so-called Christians have ruined it for us with their poor workplace ethic or hollow “God-Talk” • Our own faith is weak and we let expletives fly or we talk poorly about customers, coworkers or managers. • We simply don’t have the knowledge to share with confidence. Michele, the author of the post, talks about when she “came out” and told others…
RAP - Andrew Kippley is God’s poem

Marcus Goodyear

3 Jul 2009 | 7:13 am

Marcus here. I’ve been working behind the scenes lately, but I thought I’d come out in the public again for a Random Act of Poetry. I often feel the need to explain this series of posts that we do every Friday. After all, what does poetry have to do with daily work? A conversation with Howard Butt reminded me again this week. We were talking before lunch about several projects in his foundations, and the topic turned to poetry. (He knows I like poetry a lot.) “Your work is God’s poetry,” he explained. He’s explained that idea before in essays that talk…
Covenant Stories: Upside Down and Backwards

Gordon Atkinson

2 Jul 2009 | 9:57 am

Story #17 in the Covenant series I’d like to leave the narrative of Covenant Baptist Church for a moment and talk about something rather odd that I’ve noticed about our church. At Covenant, everything seems to be upside down and backwards. We’re not trying to be different. We’ve never called ourselves an “alternative church.” We do things that seem right to us, but they seem to be the opposite of what most churches do. Now before I write this, I want to state very clearly and carefully that I am NOT suggesting that any other church ought to do things the way we do them. There is…
Office supplies, love, and little glimpses of grace

Marcus Goodyear

1 Jul 2009 | 1:07 pm

I wouldn’t really recommend that we all misuse office supplies (and time!) like this. But I appreciate the sentiment of loving someone with the tools of our everyday work. There is grace and love all around us, and the world can seem like a magical place again when we remember to look in the right way.
The Gift: Don’t be a keeper

sam van eman

29 Jun 2009 | 5:00 am

Sam here, with Chapter 1 of Lewis Hyde’s The Gift: Creativity and the Artist in the Modern World. Loved the comments last time. Thanks, all. This week I want to make a list of gift-giving guidelines. Hyde isn’t so regulated, but his principles challenge and encourage. Why not gather them in one place? Guidelines for a healthy gift economy: 1. Keep the gift moving. “And the ungrateful son had to feed the toad every day, otherwise it would eat part of his face. And thus he went ceaselessly hither and yon about in the world.” I just love this folk tale by the brothers Grimm (page 12). 2.

Good Letters: The Image Blog
It’s Incredibly Satisfying

3 Jul 2009 | 12:36 am

I started twittering this week. “You don’t even answer your voice mail,” my husband Ben pointed out. Still, I tried to justify it by arguing that Twitter is the best way for me to keep in touch with a whole raft of friends who are nearly as phone averse as I am. But he was nonplussed—especially after he found....
Owning the Spirit

2 Jul 2009 | 10:36 am

This month I bought a large framed photograph of the Holy Spirit. Impossible, you say? Heretical, perhaps? But imagine this: An empty dance floor in an old school or a city loft somewhere. A row of casement windows open to the breeze, light streaming in. A single metal folding chair against....
Well Met

1 Jul 2009 | 4:03 pm

I was working last week where I used to live, on the Navajo Reservation, part of a service trip with my parish. We rehabbed a trailer in Tuba City, hoed the sandy ground, and repaired doors and roofs in Moencopi, the Hopi village across the highway, pausing at times to look up and....
Michael Jackson: Idol or Icon?

29 Jun 2009 | 11:58 pm

After four days of wall-to-wall Michael Jackson coverage, with no letup in sight, if there is one thing I’m thoroughly sick of hearing, it’s the obligatory reference to Jackson as a “pop icon.” If my unscientific survey is any indication, the term “icon” is now used far more often than....
An Inconvenient Wife

29 Jun 2009 | 6:16 pm

In 1986, Soraya Manutchehri, a young Iranian mother, was buried up to her waist in dirt with her arms bound at her sides. People with whom she’d lived her entire thirty-five years—including her own father and sons—then cascaded her skull with stones. The rocks were carefully chosen, large enough to....

It Takes A Church...
Leading the Change Process

Tod Bolsinger

24 Jun 2009 | 10:11 am

Priming the pump to jump back into my Pastors as "Chief Learning Officer" conversation...a help article from the Alban Institute The Alban Institute - 2009-06-22 How Will We Know? Shared via AddThis
Why Learning is Harder in the Google Age.

Tod Bolsinger

4 May 2009 | 7:39 am

Right when I am beginning a new series of posts on Church Leaders as “Chief Learning Officers” of Learning Communities, I read something that may stimulate more “Blogger’s Block.” Yesterday, I read an article on the internet, that I found on a comment somebody made on Facebook. According to the article, just reading it may have made me stupider. In an Atlantic Monthly article from the summer of 2008 titled, “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” Nicholas Carr argues that while the power and convenience of the internet for research (including finding year-old articles like this one)…
The Blessing of Blogger's Block

Tod Bolsinger

28 Apr 2009 | 6:50 am

A quick glance back at the date of my last post will let the reader know that I have been suffering a bit from “blogger’s block” for a while now. Not that I haven’t had any thing to write. Since I last blogged I have written a dozen sermons, hundreds of emails, the prep work for a Leadership Open Space Gathering, and several revisions of our Presbytery’s proposed Vision for Mission Design. It’s not that I haven’t had anything to say, it’s just that I found myself stuck about what to say next in this series that has captured my blogging attention since early in the…
Starfish and the Spider #11: Chaplain? CEO? Or Something else? Hybrid-Starfish Leadership

Tod Bolsinger

30 Jan 2009 | 12:21 pm

For many years, the ideal of a pastoral leader was a “Chaplain”. A pastoral care-giver, who prayed, taught the scriptures and administered rites of passages. Churches built sanctuary’s and chapels in the middle of town. In a Christendom world where the purpose of the church was to be “religious service providers”, being a chaplain was an important and necessary role. As culture began to change, the church took on the role of meeting the felt needs of people who had left behind or looked beyond the church and faith. The church became “life services providers” offering…
Starfish and the Spider #10: Really, Really Important Rule #8

Tod Bolsinger

5 Jan 2009 | 6:18 am

Recently, the Emergent Network accepted the resignation from their National Director and announced that they would not be filling the position. In a thoughtful, interesting move that has inspired considerable conversation about the future of the whole “emergent” concept, Brian McClaren makes this interesting comment that gets to the heart of the “organizational” conversation: "We know how to run traditional organizations. We don't know how to run networks. [But we know] there's a place for leadership in networks." So, what is the place of leadership in…

www.markdroberts.com
Discipleship as Formational and Missional

Mark D. Roberts

3 Jul 2009 | 1:01 am

Part 7 of series: Missional and Formational? Permalink for this post / Permalink for this series In my last post I showed that formational and missional realities were both present in Jesus’ own ministry, as he took time away from the crowds to pray, and these sessions of prayer guided Jesus in his mission. One such pray time occurred just prior to Jesus’ selection of his key disciples. According to Luke, Now during those days he went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also…
Prayer and Mission in the Ministry of Jesus

Mark D. Roberts

2 Jul 2009 | 1:01 am

Part 6 of series: Missional and Formational? Permalink for this post / Permalink for this series If you read through the Gospels looking for connections between formational and missional, you’ll discover plenty of them. In today’s post I’ll cite and comment on one pregnant example. Consider this passage from the Gospel of Mark: 35 In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and his companions hunted for him. 37 When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” 38 He…
The Formation of Jesus for Mission

Mark D. Roberts

1 Jul 2009 | 1:01 am

Part 5 of series: Missional and Formational? Permalink for this post / Permalink for this series Today I’m returning to the series I began last week: Missional and Formational? So far I’ve looked briefly at some connections between missional and formational in the Old Testament and in the early life of Jesus. Today I want to focus on a couple of passages from the Gospels that shed light upon the formation of Jesus for his mission. The Baptism of Jesus The baptism of Jesus appears in the three synoptic Gospels. In each of these texts, Jesus is baptized in the Jordan River by John the…
Andy Crouch at Laity Lodge: What Keeps Us From Being Creative?

Mark D. Roberts

30 Jun 2009 | 1:01 am

We had a fantastic lineup at Laity Lodge last week. Our musicians were Ashley Cleveland and Kenny Greenberg (for the second retreat in a row). Our speakers were Dr. J.I. Packer and Andy Crouch. I expect most of you have heard of J.I. Packer. His book, Knowing God, is one of the most respected Christian books of the last half century. It has sold well over a million copies, which isn’t bad for a book of serious theology. Joining Dr. Packer in the teaching role was Andy Crouch. Andy is not as well known as J.I. Packer, but he might well be in the future. (He’s just about exactly…
Sunday Inspiration from The High Calling

Mark D. Roberts

28 Jun 2009 | 1:01 am

The Inevitability of Death READ Psalm 49:1-20 Those who are wise must finally die, just like the foolish and senseless, leaving all their wealth behind. Psalm 49:10 Psalm 49 isn’t exactly what you’d call cheery. Its main point is that the rich will die just like everybody else. The psalm ends on this note: “People who boast of their wealth don’t understand; they will die, just like animals.” Not exactly an upbeat thought, is it? Yet Psalm 49 offers us the possibility of looking at our lives differently, of living with deeper purpose and wider vision. Even if we’re not striving…

Mere Orthodoxy
Some Rough Notes on Technology, Exclusivity, and Online Church

Matthew Lee Anderson

11 Jun 2009 | 8:03 am

The Christian Web Conference, which is happening this September at Biola University, has started a monthly newsletter for “web pioneers.” It’s designed to feature articles of interest to Christians who are actively engaged in new media, who simply have an interest in the intersection of technology and Christianity. You can sign up for it on the main page of their website. I am humbled and honored to be featured in their first offering. I am also curious to see how these ideas, which I admit are a work in progress, are received. To the essay, then. Any critic of…
Happenings from Around the Web

Matthew Lee Anderson

1 Jun 2009 | 9:54 pm

In case you missed it, First Things got a facelift last weekend. A few of my favorite blogs now reside there, including Wesley J. Smith’s Secondhand Smoke and the ineffable James Polous’ cohort of Postmodern Conservatives. Second, the brilliant ladies of Intellectuelle have (finally!) come out of Joe Carter’s immense shadow at Evangelical Outpost to launch their own site, the creatively named Et Elle, et. al. Bonnie Lindbloom, Sarah Flashing, Letitia Wong and others are some of the blogosphere’s most gifted female writers, and it’s great to see them move…
The Uneasy Union: Social Conservatives’ Place in the Republican Party

Matthew Lee Anderson

26 May 2009 | 8:33 pm

Last Thursday, Maggie Gallagher pronounced that the trouble with social conservatives is that they “have had bad models for political action” and that they “lack institutions that can defeat our enemies and directly assist our friends.” Gallagher’s analysis is interesting and insightful. But for whatever shortcomings social conservatives have politically, Gallagher’s point masques the true problem with the social conservative alliance with the Republican Party. Fundamentally, it is an uneasy union, for the principles driving the major wings of the…
On Memorial Day, We Remember the Dead

Matthew Lee Anderson

25 May 2009 | 6:14 am

On Memorial Day, we remember the dead. It is an uncomfortable holiday. There are few moments in our culture that prompt thoughtful, considered reflection about the meaning of our lives. Memorial Day-to the serious observer-is one, for on it we are confronted by mortality. As we remember those who too early journeyed to the undiscovered country, we acknowledge that we too shall someday be united with them. But on this day we do not simply remember the dead, but honor their sacrifice, for these dead gave themselves in service to our country. And so we are confronted not simply by…
Assorted Readings on a Monday Evening

Matthew Lee Anderson

4 May 2009 | 8:50 pm

I haven’t had many blog-length thoughts of late, but here are a few of the things I’ve read recently and found interesting: The Ten Most Pressing Issues For Evangelical Theology Today. Click through to see the order. While I agree with the bulk of Jensen’s list, I would argue that a few of his items don’t quite belong (election? apologetics?). Additionally, Jensen misses the doctrine of sanctification and the spiritual disciplines, which evangelicals are starting to recover after long neglecting them. The End of Conservatism? Yes, just like the last time…

novus•lumen
Rob Bell’s “Poets, Prophets and Preachers” and novus•lumen

Jeremy

1 Jul 2009 | 11:16 pm

July 5-7 Rob Bell is having a little shindig with his good friends, Shane Hipps and Pete Rollins, in Grand Rapids. He calls it “Poets, Prophets and Preachers.” According to the website its: “A seminar for teachers, preachers, speakers, leaders and pastors serious about reclaiming the art of the sermon.” Thanks to my lovely fiance, I got a live blogging gig with Zondervan who is helping put on the event. For those who might like to go but can’t, check back here on Sunday 7p-9p, Monday 9a-9p and Tuesday 9a-6p for an actual live blogging of the entire event,…
ZOOMAE: A Hyperlocal Networking Experiment

Jeremy

13 Jun 2009 | 8:19 am

A few weeks ago I wrote about the launch of ZOOMAE, a hyperlocal social-spiritual experiment that exists to empower dreamers to stimulate renewal in Grand Rapids through publishing, networking, and missional projects. The first project I wrote about was our hyperlocal publishing project. This week my friend and partner in crime, Josh Schmidt, is sharing about our hyperlocal networking project: Walk into any bookstore and you can find a host of books written by people who claim to have some answers. Whether its social justice issues, how to build wealth, spiritual enlightenment, etc, the…
LIVE BLOGGING: “Religion and Homophobia: Spiritual Violence in our Community” Grand Rapids Event

Jeremy

11 Jun 2009 | 5:09 pm

This a running account and commentary of the Grand Valley State University’s LGBT Center event “Religion and Homophobia: Spiritual Violence in our Community” that I promised to live blog. It started at 7pm, so later entries are at the bottom with the most recent action at the top. Panel members include: - Dr. John Corvino, Wayne State University professor, author and lecturer; - Dr. Milt Ford, director of Grand Valleys LGBT Resource Center; - Judith Snow, Grand Rapids area forensic therapist and author; - Doug Van Doren, pastor of Plymouth Congregational United Church of…
“Religion and Homophobia: Spiritual Violence in our Community” A Grand Rapids Area Event

Jeremy

11 Jun 2009 | 12:54 pm

Now there’s a catchy title! Tonight I am attending an event with some friends hosted by a local university in reaction to the impending Love Won Out conference that will arrive in Grand Rapids on Saturday. LWO is an event put on by Focus on the Family that “exhorts and equips the church to respond in a Christ-like way to the issue of homosexuality. And to those who struggle with unwanted same-sex attractions, we offer the Gospel hope that these desires can be overcome.” A number of local LGBT organizations have joined together to create an alternative event to counter the…
How Should We Respond to Adbusters #84: Nihilism & Revolition

Jeremy

4 Jun 2009 | 2:25 pm

I received this email from one of my favorite Indy magazines, Adbusters. Check it out: Nihilism has long been an abstraction: the dark muse of poetry, philosophy and art. But now we are confronted with the moment when this experiment of ours on Planet Earth meets its spectacular and terrifying end, when civilization reaches its summit and begins to tumble into permanent decline. This global meltdown has wrought a new breed of nihilism – eco-nihilism, psycho-nihilism, apocalypto-nihilism – for which no philosophy has ever been written, no remedy ever prescribed … Adbusters #84, Nihilism…

open source theology - collaborative theology for the emerging church
Sweet and Viola: A Jesus Manifesto

Andrew

24 Jun 2009 | 7:48 am

Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola have recently issued A Magna Carta of Restoring the Supremacy of Jesus Christ, a.k.a. A Jesus Manifesto for the 21st Century Church. They argue in the preamble that Christianity is nothing more, nothing less than Christ, but that in the church today there is a serious danger of the person of Jesus being marginalized in the interests of fashionable political causes, labelled variously ‘justice’, ‘the kingdom of God’, ‘values’, and ‘leadership principles’. So they have issued this manifesto not merely in order to…
Church and state, God and Caesar, and MPs’ expenses

Andrew

23 Jun 2009 | 1:23 am

I attended a Charities Parliament event last night – a panel-based discussion about the challenge of restoring trust in the British political process following the expenses scandal. The panel consisted of the Times religion correspondent, Ruth Gledhill, David Landrum (Senior Parliamentary Officer for the Bible Society), the Bishop of Rochester, Michael Nazir-Ali, and, when they eventually turned up after voting for a new speaker of the House of Commons, the MPs Alistair Burt and Andy Reed. Despite Jonathan Bartley’s disappointment about the make-up of the panel, it proved a…
1. Isaiah, the gospels, Jesus and a universal metanarrative

peter wilkinson

10 Jun 2009 | 11:10 am

How far can the gospels be shown to present Jesus as the fulfilment of Isaianic prophecy? Most people know that Isaiah is quoted, and to some extent reflected (eg the suffering servant) in the gospels. But what if the gospels went much further than this, and presented a panorama of prophetic fulfilment, enacted in the drama of Jesus himself, which was the picture painted by Isaiah, and which had to do with momentous events depicted by Isaiah as the very fulfilment of history in Jesus’s time - Israel’s history and ours?
Why the Question of the "Reality" of Jesus' Resurrection Misses the Point

Jacob

6 Jun 2009 | 11:06 am

Awhile back on his Beliefnet blog, Tony Jones posted a short essay called: “Why it Matters that Jesus REALLY Rose”. Contrasting his self to Marcus Borg who denies the reality of Jesus’ physical, historic resurrection, Jones affirms his “belief in the actual, physical, historic resurrection of Jesus [bold in the original].” Thus, in an important sense, Jones is positioning his argument neatly within the liberal-conservative debate. It is a debate that hinges on the rather arbitrary idea that some words have literal meanings that point to real things and some words…

Presbyterians Today
Harry Potter: Stuff can't save us

30 Jun 2009 | 6:00 pm

Order the Bible study and discussion guide for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (the book)
The real John Calvin

30 Jun 2009 | 6:00 pm

The great Reformer has an image problem
God loves the whole world

30 Jun 2009 | 6:00 pm

Preach Jesus and work for justice — for everyone
No pastor? No problem

21 Jun 2009 | 6:00 pm

Churches without pastors have other leadership options
Prayer for radicals

21 Jun 2009 | 6:00 pm

A book on spiritual sustenance for activists

Let My People Think (RZIM)
Unplugging the Truth in a Morally Suicidal Culture (Part 2 of 2)

Ravi Zacharias

26 Jun 2009 | 10:00 pm

The world is pushing believers to not only accept its immorality, but to celebrate it as well. But for Christians that’s impossible. Join Ravi Zacharias as he sorts out the truth in this morally suicidal culture today on Let My People Think.
Unplugging the Truth in a Morally Suicidal Culture (Part 1 of 2)

Ravi Zacharias

19 Jun 2009 | 10:00 pm

The world is pushing believers to not only accept its immorality, but to celebrate it as well. But for Christians that’s impossible. Join Ravi Zacharias as he sorts out the truth in this morally suicidal culture today on Let My People Think.
The Spurious Glitter of Pantheism (Part 3 of 3)

Ravi Zacharias

12 Jun 2009 | 10:00 pm

The history of the Christian faith has not always been pretty. At times, it’s been downright ugly. Violence and irresponsibility on the part of those who claimed to follow Christ have driven many people away from the truth, which has resulted in a prejudice against Christ. Find out why Eastern religion has become so popular in the West and what is necessary to help its adherents see the beauty and glory of Christ.
The Spurious Glitter of Pantheism (Part 2 of 3)

Ravi Zacharias

5 Jun 2009 | 10:00 pm

The history of the Christian faith has not always been pretty. At times, it’s been downright ugly. Violence and irresponsibility on the part of those who claimed to follow Christ have driven many people away from the truth, which has resulted in a prejudice against Christ. Find out why Eastern religion has become so popular in the West and what is necessary to help its adherents see the beauty and glory of Christ.
The Spurious Glitter of Pantheism (Part 1 of 3)

Ravi Zacharias

29 May 2009 | 10:00 pm

The history of the Christian faith has not always been pretty. At times, it’s been downright ugly. Violence and irresponsibility on the part of those who claimed to follow Christ have driven many people away from the truth, which has resulted in a prejudice against Christ. Find out why Eastern religion has become so popular in the West and what is necessary to help its adherents see the beauty and glory of Christ.

Real Live Preacher
Covenant Stories: Upside Down and Backwards

rlp

2 Jul 2009 | 9:43 am

Story #17 in the Covenant series I’d like to leave the narrative of Covenant Baptist Church for a moment and talk about something rather odd that I’ve noticed about our church. At Covenant, everything seems to be upside down and backwards. We’re not trying to be different. We’ve never called ourselves an “alternative church.” We do things that seem right to us, but they seem to be the opposite of what most churches do. Now before I write this, I want to state very clearly and carefully that I am NOT suggesting that any other church ought to do things the way we do them. There is…
I think that last one is the last one

rlp

29 Jun 2009 | 5:12 pm

The response to my various posts about my worship experiences in the Orthodox Church was surprising, to say the least. Over 15,000 reads on the original post. I surpassed my bandwidth allowance for this month. I woke up this morning and RLP wasn't coming online. I got a temporary upping of bandwidth, so no worries. And no added expense for me. It's been fun. I've enjoyed the emails from various Orthodox Christians. And in response to some who asked, there is a link to all four pieces at the top. I'll leave it there for a week or so. But I intend that last one to be, indeed, the last one. I…
Sabbatical Sundays: Becoming a Child

rlp

29 Jun 2009 | 7:08 am

I’ve been in the mountains of Colorado for the last two Sundays. There is no Orthodox church in Creede. I’ve been worshipping at a little UCC church here that I love. And I’ve been reflecting on the Sundays of my sabbatical. I don't think it was an accident that I felt drawn to the Orthodox Church in this short season. And I think I understand why these Sundays have been so meaningful to me. When I walk into an Orthodox Church, I don't know anything. I don’t know the theology. I don’t know the language. I don’t know the practice. I don’t know the deep meanings behind the…
Covenant Stories: Lillian's Eyes

rlp

27 Jun 2009 | 8:34 am

Story #16 in the Covenant series My third daughter was born on the last day of 1996. Having had two children already, we were feeling very relaxed and at ease, so we named her Lillian. We were thinking of the famous passage in the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus urged his followers not to be consumed with worry. Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. Matthew 6:28-29 I’ve often felt it was a blessing that we named her Lillian, because within two months of her birth it was…
I thought this thing was supposed to be easy.

rlp

23 Jun 2009 | 6:19 pm

I hope you’ve seen Pulp Fiction so this next part makes sense. You know what the funniest thing about the Mac is? It’s the little differences. I mean, they got the same stuff over there that we got here, but it’s just, with a Mac, it’s a little different. Example: Well, the first time I started a program on the Mac, I couldn’t figure out where the menu was. There was a menu at the top of the screen called “Finder,” with the familiar file, edit, and view commands along with others, though clicking those wasn’t bringing up anything I understood. I saw a program called…

RedBlueChristian
Family Values

Tony Mitchell

26 Jun 2009 | 10:43 am

Now, this isn’t a blog about Governor Sanford and his problems, though we are reminded that when one “preaches” about one set of values and then lives and entirely different set of values, it is very difficult for people to hear the truth. And while I am saddened by the death of Michael Jackson, it isn’t that high on my list of concerns. But, depending on what the autopsy finds and what that means for each one of us, I think that Farrah Fawcett’s death was more important (even if it did get pushed back because of Michael Jackson’s death). I say that her…
HERE WE GO AGAIN!

Allan Bevere

25 Jun 2009 | 7:21 am

Congressman Barney Frank, one of the chief architects of the current housing crisis, is once again asking Freddie and Fannie to relax restrictions on condo loans. Yes, the opposite of progress is Congress. The full story is here. Cross-Posted at Allan R. Bevere
PRESIDENTIAL TONE ON IRAN

Allan Bevere

24 Jun 2009 | 8:03 am

President Obama has taken criticism from Republicans and from some others for what they say has been his weak and timid statements and his tone on the protests taking place in Iran after the recent election, which has returned Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to the role of puppet under the control of the puppet masters formally know as the mullahs. President Obama finally made a very strong statement yesterday at a press conference, but some feel that it was too long in coming. But I think the president’s critics are being unfair on this one. I do wish the president had said a little more at the…
A Quick Thought on the Cost of Health Insurance

ChrisB

24 Jun 2009 | 5:44 am

If you want to lower your auto insurance premiums you drive safer. If you want to lower your life insurance premiums you live healthier. If you want to lower your health insurance premiums you … get a new job? ——— Crossposted from My Three Cents
North Korea Rattling Saber at Hawaii

Shane D. Vander Hart

18 Jun 2009 | 3:03 pm

Well, the North Koreans are at it again. This time it is reported that they may be planning to fire a missile over Japan toward Hawaii. Granted, it will fall far short, but it is symbolic nonetheless. According to the AP: North Korea may fire a long-range ballistic missile toward Hawaii in early July, a Japanese news report said Thursday, as Russia and China urged the regime to return to international disarmament talks on its rogue nuclear program. The missile, believed to be a Taepodong-2 with a range of up to 4,000 miles (6,500 kilometers), would be launched from North…

Red Letter Believers
Do you give your full effort?

1 Jul 2009 | 4:19 pm

By the work one knows the workmen. -- Jean De La FontaineI fully admit it.I don't always give it my all at work, at home, at church, in my committments. I back off. I slack off. I take a step and let someone else run with it.Oh, and the excuses are amazingly boring and overused:I'm tired.I'm overcommitted.The boss (wife, friend, organization) doesn't appreciate me.There is a universal urge to give a B effort despite A abilities. And then there is the Bible with its pesky admonition: "Whatever you do in word or deed, do as unto the Lord." Col 3.23 And there goes all my excuses. How about you?
Keeping it simple

28 Jun 2009 | 5:50 pm

Image via WikipediaJesus kept it simple – real simple. He steered clear of religious talk and jargon. He spoke simply and plainly. He found the sinners where they lived and then communicated with them in language they could understand.He told the woman at the well that the gospel was like water. He told the fisherman to go make converts, just like fishing. He spoke to farmers about figs and wheat and tares. He spoke to merchants about lost treasures and pearls of great price. He spoke to the military man about spiritual enemies. He spoke to common working men about storing up treasures in…
She might have cleaned up after Presidents, but she worked for God

22 Jun 2009 | 2:19 pm

“Each night for 24 years, she would diligently clean the White House. When she came to the president's chair, she would pause, cleaning materials in hand, and say a quick prayer.” So reads the lead in yesterday’s Washington Post.Emma Gray passed away last week and newspapers are extolling her simple, faithful service that was rooted in her faith.And what a faith it was. Who knows how she influenced the world with her simple duty of cleaning the Presidents office.She would pray for “blessings, wisdom and safety for each of the six presidents she served.”She took great pride in her…
Atta boy

19 Jun 2009 | 1:11 pm

“Well done.”“Great job.”“Wow. Impressive.”We like praise. We love praise. We crave praise.It started as children when even the worse drawing with a blunt crayon was hung on the refrigerator. Proudly beaming for days, we sulked when it finally had to come down. Something inside of us wants our efforts to be applauded. "Look at me!"Although we might coyly wave off words of admiration, we sneak a smile in when we are alone. Our inner human is stroked by the scratch of praise. It feels good to know that our efforts haven’t gone unnoticed, that our duty actually isn’t performed in…
Will we ever trust again?

17 Jun 2009 | 12:06 pm

“…Let your yes be yes and your no be no….” Matt 5:33Trust is a critical component -- in the workplace, in the home, in churches and in politics. Nothing will derail good intentions faster than a lack of trust.Many of our societal ills come from a lack of trust. Government manipulation of data to support the Vietnam War, capped by Watergate started the modern-day age of mistrust. Investigative reporters became a standard at most newsrooms. And before you knew it, every authority figure was looked at askance, as if anything they said was not to be trusted.Suddenly, liars were everywhere…

Reformissionary
Phriday is for Photos 7.3.09

Steve McCoy

3 Jul 2009 | 9:18 am

A couple of pictures from the Southern Baptist Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. In the first some color blind dude tried to get away with something. In the second...uh...maybe the same thing? Second is Timmy Brister. I just want to make sure the search engines locate that picture with anyone searching for "Timmy Brister." Thanks for the pose, Timmy Brister! All my photography.
Review: Sojourn - Over the Grave

Steve McCoy

1 Jul 2009 | 1:12 pm

For a while now I've been spreading the word about Sojourn Church in Louisville, Kentucky. It's one of those all-too-rare churches that understands both deep theological truth and creativity. Their influence is spreading around the web through Travel Blog, Sojourn Music (blog), The Open Sourcebook, and more.I have almost all of Sojourn's CDs: Songs for the Advent, Before the Throne, These Things I Remember. They get regular play in my house, especially on Sunday mornings. We also use them pre/post worship at Doxa. They are unique in my collection because the music is so often…
Music Monday 6.29.09

Steve McCoy

29 Jun 2009 | 9:38 am

The King of Pop is gone. Say what you want after a life with many problems, the dude could bring it back in the day. Feet barely touched the ground. You need to watch the brand new Avett Brothers' Tiny Desk Concert. Wonderful. This may be the greatest band in the world. Really. Also, new Paste article on them: Rockin' Steady Wins the Race. Resurgence and Matt Johnson has Thoughts on Music for the Media-Gorged in five parts now. Joe Pug is offering a free EP. Nice. I'm going to review Sojourn's new CD, Over The Grave, either later today or early this week. Look for…
Music - 6.17.09

Steve McCoy

17 Jun 2009 | 9:36 am

A family trip to Six Flags, decided on at the last minute, derailed my Music Monday post. But I haven't forgotten you. A few nuggets. First, major props to @tpgraham who twittered me last week to tell me about The Low Anthem's new album, Oh My God Charlie Darwin (download, CD). A real find. Metacritic has them at 80 which is really good. Here's "Charlie Darwin" (lyrics)... I've really been enjoying the new, self-titled album from Other Lives (download only $5, CD). "Paper Cities" should be a good first taste for you... Lastly, some live Beirut, "Nantes," (off of The Flying Club Cup) to make…
Lots-o-Links 6.13.09

Steve McCoy

13 Jun 2009 | 11:00 am

Doxa Fellowship is moving our Sunday morning worship service to downtown Woodstock, the historic Waverly House.Jonathan Dodson: Marriage ResourcesRain City Hymnal CD is out at Re:Sound, and on Noise Trade.Matt Chandler on the role of menResurgence (Bob Thune): Is preaching killing your church plant?Advance Conference MP3sArt21 is on Hulu. Episode 1: Art in the 21st Century on "Place."

The Scriptorium Daily: Middlebrow
Cranmer Prays to the Trinity

Fred Sanders

2 Jul 2009 | 5:30 pm

Can you pray to the Trinity? Of course, the very definition of Christian prayer is that it is trinitarian: We pray to God the Father, in the name of Jesus the Son, by the power of the Holy Spirit. That’s the logic of mediation that’s built into Christian prayer, no matter what words we use in the prayer. And keeping in line with that logic, the most “theologically correct” way to pray is to address yourself to God the Father, in the name of Jesus. There is also biblical warrant for praying to Jesus Christ, and doctrinal warrant for praying to the Holy Spirit. But the…
Martin Hengel (1926-2009)

Fred Sanders

2 Jul 2009 | 9:53 am

TheoBlog reports that Martin Hengel, New Testament scholar, has died in Tübingen at the age of 82. Hengel’s scholarly accomplishment was great. His 1973 inaugural lecture in Tübingen was published in English in expanded form as The Son of God (Fortress Press, 1976). In that programmatic work he declared some of the guiding principles that would mark his life’s work: I am concerned to demonstrate that historical scholarship and theological –one might even say dogmatic– questions must not stand in unresolved contradiction to each other. On the contrary, the historian…
Why I Don’t Pray for Celebrities

Fred Sanders

2 Jul 2009 | 3:01 am

I don’t pray for celebrities because they aren’t real people. Celebrity deaths come in threes, they say, and recently Ed McMahon, Farah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson have died. There have been obituaries and retrospectives, and some scrambling to figure out how we are supposed to feel about these deaths of people we never met but felt like we somehow knew. Celebrities are such odd phenomena. They are these personas that are presented to us, carefully packaged by a publicity team and then transmitted through a vast system for the dissemination of their images. We know nothing about…
When in Doubt, Sing

Fred Sanders

1 Jul 2009 | 2:39 pm

When I was in graduate school, one of the most important groups I was involved with was a small group of doctoral students who were in the same phase of the program. We studied together, arranged special tutoring sessions on hard topics, and shared the burdens of life as PhD-wannabes. We were a pretty diverse group, but we had enough in common that we were able to help each other along. One member of that group, Jane Redmont, managed to publish a book on prayer right in the midst of the academic fuss. That book, When in Doubt, Sing, was published by HarperCollins in 1999 and was well received…
Review: Re-Thinking Rahner’s Rule and Revelation

Fred Sanders

1 Jul 2009 | 11:09 am

In the current issue of the International Journal of Systematic Theology, you can read my review of Dennis Jowers‘ recent book on the Trinity, Karl Rahner’s Trinitarian Axiom: ‘The Economic Trinity is the Immanent Trinity and Vice Versa’ (New York: Edwin Mellen Press, 2006). The book itself (and consequently the review) is not for the general reader. Based directly on Jowers’ dissertation, the book is a technical piece of systematic theology scholarship, minutely examining one sub-sub-sub-sub topic. But Jowers makes one major point in the book that had never occurred to me…

Seedlings in Stone
Fourth of July (what else?)

L.L. Barkat

3 Jul 2009 | 8:38 am

Last night we went to see fireworks— stunning art that traces the sky, then is gone. Ashes to ashes! But the lights played in my dreams. How to capture the loveliness of such ephemeral beauty? Poems seemed just the thing, but they did not come easily. No matter, I offer them to you anyway, as a response to our prompt and as a gift from my little life."Fourth of July"Would that the night could preserve this sight of starsand stripes, red green fuschia blue and spirals too like Goldilock's curls all strung with fire, explosions that launch, piercing our hearts,bang! Shots in the darkexpire in…
Let Go, Write Strong, Build Readership

L.L. Barkat

29 Jun 2009 | 5:00 am

You've seen it before. The burdened poem. A heavy-laden sentence. Blog posts that go on and on. Chapters that would have done well if they ended three pages ago.We all create overstuffed writing sometimes, much to the chagrin (or boredom, frustration, and unhappy surprise) of our readers and editors. We want to hold on to all of our words, each of our sparkling thoughts or stories. But the poems, sentences, chapters, readers and editors of the world wish we'd simply let go.I understand. I'm not immune. What to do? Here are 5 things I try to remember, to help me let go and write strong:1. Aim…
Dear Editor Cindy, You Can Stop Crossing Your Fingers

L.L. Barkat

25 Jun 2009 | 4:19 am

Dear Editor Cindy,You probably heard a rumor that I might not finish my book God in the Yard. Struggling through the final chapters of a manuscript can be tough work. But I assure you the rumor is patently false. As of yesterday I typed the final words of the epilogue.If I hadn't been through this process before, I'd be celebrating with wine and chocolate (well, that is if I drank wine on U.S. soil; for some reason I only imbibe when I'm traveling abroad). Anyway, this time I know better. These final keystrokes are not an end but a beginning. You'll send the manuscript out to two readers (but…
The Gift: Take, Eat, this is My Tweet-- hospitality on Twitter

L.L. Barkat

22 Jun 2009 | 5:00 am

'Honey, come and try some viral-marketing broccoli rabe,' says a woman to her boyfriend. The context? Bill Wasik, author of And Then There's This: How Stories Live and Die in Viral Culture has just removed the plastic-bag-cooked-veggie from the microwave; he's promoting the bag as part of a word-of-mouth effort he signed up for on-line. This is the world of viral dreams, where businesses capitalize on 'media-consuming individuals' in hopes of creating 'community' that will sell their products.But corporations are only tapping into a reality that exists for many who move and shake on-line.
Make Your Writing Happen

L.L. Barkat

19 Jun 2009 | 7:49 am

I'm pushing myself through writing the last three chapters of God in the Yard. (Um, Editor Cindy, if you are reading this, please pretend I don't have an August 1st deadline, okay? :)Concerning this challenge, I was foolish enough to say to a writer friend, 'Well, you know, I can't force this thing.' To which my writer friend said in an annoyingly writerly way, 'Uh... yes you can.' (Advice here to the would-be writer. Don't make friends with people who know anything about writing if you want the freedom to sit on your writing butt and dip violets in sugar, or some other such thing, rather…

Simply Missional
Church brings Joy to the City

admin

3 Jul 2009 | 8:46 am

I was reading Acts this morning while I sipped my joyful latte. As I read Acts 8:4-8, I could not help but love how scripture proclaims, “much joy came to the city” after Philip shared the Gospel (and the Spirit moved in the community.) Makes sense, since the Gospel is “good news” after all. Think about those ramifications…A church…brings joy…to a city…BECAUSE of the Gospel! How can we bring joy to our cities because we proclaim the Gospel? 1. Help end local poverty. (sorry, I had to do that)2. Bring freedom to the oppressed. 3. Help the…
Rent our House

admin

2 Jul 2009 | 2:16 pm

Click to enlarge image:
Learning to Rest

admin

2 Jul 2009 | 1:08 pm

I don’t rest well, I just don’t. I don’t sleep well either and I don’t eat well. Basically, I’m a walking heart-attack waiting to happen. Awesome! These past few days I’ve felt a great desire to rest, of course this is not good timing, since I can’t…Hopefully soon! For me, I rest well when I’m doing something I like. Maybe chilling at the beach or hiking in mountains, etc! My mind needs to be mesmerized by my surroundings, my attention must be fully captured, or else I’m a train-wreck waiting to happen, A.D.D. kicks-in, I get bored…
Why did we choose Raleigh

admin

1 Jul 2009 | 3:56 pm

Necole and I took six-months to make this decision. We went back-and-forth multiple times. We also journeyed with a group of friends as we struggled to discern the best choice. So thanks to those of you who prayed, listened, and journeyed with us. We choose to head back to Raleigh for multiple strategic reason. 1. Location: Raleigh is located in a perfect place for us. Close to Atlanta, DC, Charlotte, Nashville and several other key cities. HELP will now have two areas of focus. Texas and the Southeast. This is huge as we try to rescue and restore orphans across the globe. (See #2) 2. Church…
Signs of a Movement

admin

1 Jul 2009 | 8:15 am

For the most part I feel absolutely clueless when it comes to running Help End Local Poverty. It’s taken much longer than expected to get this vision up-and-going. Right now, I feel like we are starting to crawl. Occasionally, there are signs of a movement that is beginning to take shape. This makes me happy, I can’t tell you how many tears are shed when I hear these stories of people who desire to help end poverty and who sacrifice their time and money to do just that! We started this organization with ZERO funding, total grassroots effort by so many wonderful people. Some of…

SmartChristian.com
POPE: BONES OF APOSTLE PAUL DISCOVERED Permalink

Andrew Jackson

29 Jun 2009 | 10:52 pm

THE POPE CLAIMS THE DISCOVERY OF THE BONES OF THE APOSTLE PAUL Very speculative.
AFGANISTAN: WHAT ARE WE FIGHTING FOR? Permalink

Andrew Jackson

27 Jun 2009 | 1:30 pm

AFGHANISTAN: WHAT ARE WE FIGHTING FOR? As I have written several times before, I am not in favor of President Obama’s esculation of the war in Afghanistan/Pakistan. He is about to send in more troops, and for what?. The central question is: what are we fighting for? What are we attempting to accomplish? I will write in more detail why I resist the direction the US is taking later. FACT: Afghanistan supplies more than 90 percent of the world’s heroin, and the drug trade is estimated to account for about half of Afghanistan’s economy. The United Nations estimates that in 2007, the…
ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION & THE HEATH CARE DEBATE Permalink

Andrew Jackson

26 Jun 2009 | 9:18 am

ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION & THE HEALTH CARE DEBATE I was just in the Ukraine, and I was deeply stuck by the pervasive public drinking (at all times, by all ages, with no visible restrictions) and alcoholism in the country. It began me thinking about “functional population” numbers. Although the Ukraine has a population of 5 million or so, the “functional or productive population” of the Ukraine was certainly much less. As a result, its future is not very promising, especially as Russia continues to extend its influence westward. As President Obama and the Congress…
THE RISE OF TURKEY Permalink

Andrew Jackson

23 Jun 2009 | 12:26 pm

THE RISE OF TURKEY OVER THE NEXT CENTURY George Friedman founder of StratFor predicts the rise of Turkey over the next century.
SEEING IRAN AS IT REALLY IS Permalink

Andrew Jackson

21 Jun 2009 | 8:38 pm

SEEING IRAN AS IT REALLY IS I met with an Iranian believer in the Ukraine tonight, and I asked him about the present protests in Iran. His answer: “The best thing about the protest is that it reveals to Americans the real face of the Iranian people, and that Iran should not be defined by the Islamic cleric-dictators.I fully agree. For example, it is estimated that there are a few million Iranian believers in the underground church throughout Iran. The Iranian churches are also growing in Turkey. In fact, in the near future, the next great mission movement through the Middle East could be…

Strangely Dim
Summer--It Turns Me Upside Down

Dave Zimmerman

29 Jun 2009 | 7:25 am

Whenever I finally escape, I'm pretty sure it will be to the 80s. Last summer I attended my high school reunion; this summer I've scheduled two playdates with childhood friends and commandeered my brother-in-law's Rock Band game for Beastie Boy and...
In Defense of Ordinary Time

Dave Zimmerman

24 Jun 2009 | 6:48 am

It seems presumptuous and even a bit preachy to pre-empt our summer of escapist fantasy by appealing to the church calendar, but as I thought about this writing experiment my mind kept going back to Kimberlee Conway Ireton's second chapter...
The Summer of Our Discontent

Christa Countryman

18 Jun 2009 | 6:25 am

Remember when we were kids and each year followed a familiar, structured rhythm? School would start in September, we would get a few weeks of winter break, more school, and then summer! The end of the school year meant one...
The Vindication of Scum

Dave Zimmerman

15 Jun 2009 | 7:01 am

Good news out of Denver reported (albeit in hushed tones) by pastor and soon-to-be Likewise Books author Mike Sares: in a dispute with his church's neighbor over noise complaints, the courts found in favor of the church. This from...
Making It Work, Redux

Dave Zimmerman

9 Jun 2009 | 9:44 am

Last year, right around this time (by "this time" I mean "the time of year when my boss reviews my performance") I posted the following reflection on the vocation of an editor. Now seems an appropriate time to revisit those...

The Lutheran
Market downturn leads to pension changes

30 Jun 2009 | 10:00 pm

The ELCA bridge and annuity fund administered by the ELCA Board of Pensions was closed to new entrants on April 3. From April to June, the pension board sent letters to some 35,000 active and retired plan members informing them of the closure. It told those who had converted part or all of their retirement account into a lifetime monthly annuity that their monthly payments could decrease. ELCA retirement funds haven’t been immune to the global economic downturn, and the board’s actions came after market losses decreased the value of the bridge and annuity fund. In the letters to…
Network focuses on U.S. Lutheran response to HIV

30 Jun 2009 | 10:00 pm

The Lutheran AIDS Network conference May 4-5 focused on ways U.S. congregations and individuals can respond to HIV in their communities. Pastors, lay leaders, people living with HIV/AIDS and those involved in?community-based HIV ministry met in Chicago under the theme “Creating Caring Communities.” Formed in 1989, the Lutheran AIDS Network, a ministry with ELCA and Lutheran Church–?Missouri Synod members, works to keep the issue of HIV in front of Lutheran congregations. Conference presenters shared the same sentiment: While the church has been active in responding to HIV…
Synods send human sexuality statement, other concerns to Churchwide Assembly

30 Jun 2009 | 10:00 pm

At presstime 16 of the 28 synods reporting from their assemblies had given a green light to the “Social Statement on Human Sexuality” and the “Report and Recommendations on Ministry Policies.” Ten called for a two-thirds vote if any changes are made in rostering gay and lesbian people in committed relationships. Candles mark places in the world to remember in prayer during worship at the Rocky Mountain Synod assembly in May. A handful of synods asked that resources be developed “for ministers and congregations who choose to do so to support same-gender…
'Everyone in public service needs a strong moral compass'

30 Jun 2009 | 10:00 pm

Nancy Erickson serves as the secretary of the U.S. Senate
'The best-kept secret in the ELCA'

30 Jun 2009 | 10:00 pm

In Atlanta, ELCA seminarians are immersed in an African-American context

THEOOZE Featured Faith Articles
A Life Worth Trying

1 Jul 2009 | 12:51 am

I had a heart to heart with my bedroom floor, a stable and constant companion in these turbulent times. These are the encouraging words it gave me: get up and live a life worth living! This is its story.
Marriage for the Masses

21 Jun 2009 | 10:51 pm

Can't all of us old married (and non-married) folks just get along? We must explore the civil liberties that are withheld as we fight over the ethics and politics of homosexual marriage. It’s about time we stand up for the freedoms of those who love differently.
We're Looking for a Few Good Bloggers - Announcing Viral Bloggers 2.0!

26 Mar 2009 | 9:08 am

In 2006, Spencer Burke and Barry Taylor wrote a little tome that packed a big punch - A Heretic's Guide to Eternity. Its release incited lots of good discussion and debate, helped along by Ooze members who received a complimentary review copy and blogged about it. In fact, Ooze bloggers were so influential that lots of others got into the conversation too - at one point that summer, A Heretic's Guide was the most-blogged about book (period) on the web, for a week straight, according to Technorati. It was then that we confirmed what we always knew - Ooze bloggers are passionate, articulate,…
Unleashing Creativity

26 Mar 2009 | 8:51 am

Creativity, artistry, imagination, experiment - we explore how we can be open to the Spirit's generative power in our everyday and artistic lives.
MYTH #6: You Must Believe Jesus Is the Son of God To Follow Him.

18 Mar 2009 | 10:00 pm

For years I’ve held this myth up as a standard for those who believe. This myth is so embedded within Christianity. This has become the benchmark for whether or not a person is a true believer. The primary damage of this myth is that it has become a doctrinal standard or proof of doctrinal purity. If you don’t believe Jesus is the Son of God, you are disqualified to even play the spiritual game. By the way, one other point of damage is that when you embrace this myth that you cannot follow Jesus unless you believe He is the Son of God, you can so easily shut the door of the Kingdom to…

The Suburban Christian
Singles at the Crossroads class at Willow Creek

Al Hsu

25 Jun 2009 | 5:17 am

I'm in the midst of teaching a 3-week class about singleness at Willow Creek, based on my book Singles at the Crossroads. Video for the first week is available here, and you can download an mp3 of the talk here. I never like watching myself on video after the fact. I know you're supposed to review yourself so you can learn from it and improve your presentation skills, but I always feel like I look and sound goofy. One of the things I like most about book publishing is that it's a way of sharing and teaching without having my physical traits get in the way. (I caught a cold over the weekend,…
Lessons from a 48-hour power outage

Al Hsu

22 Jun 2009 | 8:43 am

Some severe thunderstorms came through the Chicagoland area last Friday evening, knocking out power for our neighborhood for the next 48 hours. Service wasn't restored until Sunday evening. A few observations on our experience:- Neighbors are helpful. We brought some of our frozen foods and perishables over to a neighbor's house. They were just a few blocks away, but they had power. So we were grateful for their freezer/fridge's hospitality.- Neighbors can be annoying. Some neighbors ran generators to create their own power supply. Which was fine, except that they were quite loud and ran late…
Acts 8 on reading and understanding

Al Hsu

15 Jun 2009 | 4:58 am

The board of trustees for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship recently was in town and visited our offices at InterVarsity Press. During their meetings I gave an opening devotion out of Acts 8:26-40, the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. Here's an excerpt of my remarks:--------------Let me zero in on just a few key verses. Verse 30, Philip asks, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And the eunuch replies, “How can I, unless someone guides me?”This passage highlights reading and understanding. Reading plays a key role in people’s faith journeys. This has been true for…
Firms of Endearment: What makes you emotionally loyal to a company or organization?

Al Hsu

4 Jun 2009 | 8:27 am

I recently came across the concept of "firms of endearment," which comes from the book Firms of Endearment: How World-Class Companies Profit from Passion and Purpose. Firms of endearment are companies that endear themselves to stakeholders (employees, customers, vendors, shareholders, etc.) "These companies meet the tangible and intangible needs of their stakeholders in ways that delight them and engender affection for and loyalty to the company."The book reports that not only are these companies more beloved by customers, they are also significantly more profitable than comparable companies…
Summer in suburbia

Al Hsu

29 May 2009 | 9:17 am

I haven't been able to blog lately because of school, work, life, etc., but here are some tips from a subtext article by Steve McCoy about how to live missionally in the suburbs this summer:-------------So summer is an ideal time to connect with new folks in your suburb as we enjoy the weather and the culture around us. Here are a few suggestions for your summer from the things my family is doing. I hope you will add your suggestions, stories of stuff you’ve done, and share your plans in the comment section. Be a Participant Get involved in the life of your suburb. Find a community calendar…

theologer
Schlitz

Roger Mugs

30 Jun 2009 | 2:44 pm

I realized I've been neglecting the beer part of this blog. My bad. I'm drinking schlitz because it was $9.59 for a 12 pack. And I have to say. Not too shabby for an inexpensive beer.Schlitz and A Generous Orthodoxy by McLaren. Beer and theology. See how well they go hand in hand.
The trouble with being 'self-aware'

Roger Mugs

18 Jun 2009 | 3:47 pm

One thing people have said of me for a long time is that I'm self aware. It's true in the sense that I know who I am, what I believe, why I do what I do etc... But there are some pitfalls.For example. Today I was reading a book on the Holy Spirit's role in our ministry, particularly preaching. And the author of this book keeps putting forth the idea that the weak are the heroes in God's kingdom. Not the strong. Because they are incredibly aware of their need for the Lord. So follow me if you will into my thought life as I read this:Okay, this is a bummer because I'm good at a lot of things. I…
A prayer (Isaiah 50:4)

Roger Mugs

17 Jun 2009 | 2:58 pm

"The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. " - Isaiah 50:4Oh Lord that we would hear your words with clarity. That you would give us clarity of mind and wisdom of speech to preach, reprove, correct, and train in righteousness those you've called us to shepherd. That we would know your word clear enough to follow you with supernatural understanding.Heavenly father you alone by your spirit speak truth and we need your truth every day.
My power and my might have not gotten me this wealth (Deuteronomy 8:17)

Roger Mugs

14 Jun 2009 | 6:12 am

"Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’" - Deuteronomy 8:17This is a fantastic verse. It's surrounded by a reminder to the Israelites about who their God is. They have no reason to become haughty thinking they've accomplished anything on their own because it is only by God's grace they have anything.Recently I was talking about something similar to this with a friend of mine. How often I read the Old Testament and just shake my head in awe at how dumb the Jews were. They were the chosen people of God, and yet they complain when…
To obey is better than sacrifice (1 Sam 15:22)

Roger Mugs

6 Jun 2009 | 10:29 pm

"Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice." (1 Sam 15:22)This morning I'm wondering how many Christians out there are doing what they do because they believe it is a sacrifice to the Lord, but are in fact living in disobedience. I wonder how many people have been called to Africa and have said in their hearts, "Lord, I don't really want to do that, so how about I volunteer to do Sunday School instead?"The numbers may be small, but given what I know about my nature as a sinful man I wouldn't be surprised if they were great. All these people everywhere sacrificing instead of obeying.Its…

Think Christian
‘Public Enemies’ and anti-hero worship

Josh Larsen

2 Jul 2009 | 10:14 am

Celebrating criminals as heroes has been a longstanding Hollywood tradition, from 1931’s “The Public Enemy,” in which James Cagney played a Prohibition-era bootlegger, to the recent “Public Enemies,” starring Johnny Depp as famed bank robber John Dillinger. What struck me as I watched this play out yet again is that it’s a narrative tradition the Bible – one of our earliest narratives – avoids altogether. That’s curious, because the Bible is otherwise full of all sorts of seedy Hollywood elements – sex, violence and so forth. There are scoundrels aplenty in its pages, but…
TC befriends Facebook

Jerod Clark

1 Jul 2009 | 8:34 am

Admittedly, we’re a little late to the game on this, but TC has finally made the leap to Facebook. Our main delay centered around our internal discussions of what we should do make a Facebook page interactive for TC-ers. Instead of sitting around and talking about it any longer, we’re asking you what you want. We’ve started a discussion over on our Facebook page where you can share your thoughts. If you want it to just be a feed of the latest posts, that’s fine. But we’re really interested to hear if there’s something more you want.
Mocking Christian Protests

Jerod Clark

30 Jun 2009 | 4:42 am

Earlier this month, when visitors came to the largest video game conference in the U.S., they were greeted by protesters. The group of people were Christians who were upset at the release of a new video game called Dante’s Inferno. At least that’s what the video game developer, Electronic Arts, wanted you to think. As Phil Cooke recently pointed out on his blog, the protesters were actually actors hired through a marketing firm for EA. The company hoped the parody protests would generate some publicity like real protests have in the past. The fake mob carried signs saying…
Christian Singles and Sexuality

Steven Koster

29 Jun 2009 | 4:38 am

I wrote earlier on celebrating sexuality within a Christian worldview. I still think the world yearns for affirmation of our sexuality from God’s point of view, especially since the world never hesitates to offer distortions and lies on the topic. However, the most intriguing responses to me were the voices of Christian singles. I heard much pain and a little anger toward the church on the topic. Part of the irony about Christian sexuality is an acknowledgment that singles are created sexual persons too, even if celibate. And I confess, I’ve spoken more with struggling couples…
Embryonic stem cells: what’s the big deal?

Steve Matheson

25 Jun 2009 | 8:25 am

So, what’s so special about embryonic stem cells? Here’s how President Obama described them in the speech we looked at in a previous post: At this moment, the full promise of stem cell research remains unknown, and it should not be overstated. But scientists believe these tiny cells may have the potential to help us understand, and possibly cure, some of our most devastating diseases and conditions: to regenerate a severed spinal cord and lift someone from a wheelchair; to spur insulin production and spare a child from a lifetime of needles; to treat Parkinson’s, cancer,…

Bible Gateway's Verse of the Day
Proverbs 14:34

Bible Gateway

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”

Vintage Faith
Emerging Church memories and good and nice things

DanKimball

25 Jun 2009 | 12:21 pm

I got a copy of the book "Evangelicals Engaging Emergent" in the mail. It is a book which calls itself on the back "A comprehensive Evangelical assessment of the Emergent/Emerging Church". I flipped through it and saw in the index...
Thoughts On Planning Ahead Sermon-Teaching Series

DanKimball

22 Jun 2009 | 11:37 pm

A couple weeks ago I Twittered that we had an all-day sermon planning series and mapped out a year in advance of what the teaching is. I got several emails and questions about when we plan in advance - does...
Origins Project update

DanKimball

18 Jun 2009 | 12:45 pm

We had a conference call today about the Origins Project which was great looking ahead a bit. For those that don't know what the Origins Project is - it is a community being birthed for those who have a passion...
Apart from prayer, I can't think of anything more important than outreach right now

DanKimball

27 May 2009 | 10:42 am

I am posting today being part of the National Outreach Convention blog tour. They are going to different blogs of the various speakers to have some blog-dialog and today is the day at this one. The focus of their convention...
Could Green Day be the next U2?

DanKimball

15 May 2009 | 8:32 am

I don't agree with some of Green Day's political pokes as well as some of their themes. But I just listened to their new album from beginning to end. It was catchy and I want to listen to it again....

XXXChurch.com
Teens - The Devil Made Me Do It

2 Jul 2009 | 2:03 pm

What's up X3 teens? I normally write for the mens section but i felt like i need to get one out to you guys this week too. I promise it is short and sweet... A long time ago i use to work in an ER as a tech. I would draw blood, do EKG's and other things. One of the other things i would do was assist the ER Docs when they would have to put in stitches. There was this one Dr. who always said when he stuck someone with the needle "I'm sorry the devil made me do it!" He was taking the blame of hurting this person (he didn't mean to, needles do hurt) off himself and putting it on the…
Porn Shows - Erotica LA 2009 Updates

1 Jul 2009 | 3:34 pm

The show was great. Lots of new friends, contacts and stories. Here are a few of them from our team.The video is posted below. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path ~Psalm 119:105Never in a million years could we imagine that we would be in a porn convention passing out bibles, however there we were doing just that and telling people in the porn industry that God loves them! When my husband and I heard of xxxchurch and what they were doing we were moved. A ministry that truly views people from God’s love. We always hear ministries talk about…
Men - What I Make Up About That!

29 Jun 2009 | 9:31 pm

As I child many of us had fun making stuff up, it is a part of childhood. Against unimaginable odds, the good guys (me) would win! My parents would get that look in their eyes when I had a red sheet draped across my back and I am trying to get up on the roof…you could see them wondering “Does he think he can fly?” The brain is so powerful; it can handle everything we encounter and still has plenty of time to wander off on its own. When we go to bed, the brain gets bored and starts to make up things so bazaar it can leave you wondering for days…
Pastors - Missionary Positions

28 Jun 2009 | 9:43 pm

I just got back from a week long trip to Fresno, Ca, working in the urban poor community alongside World Impact (www.worldimpactfresno.org). We took a student leadership team, along with three adult youth workers. Pretty sweet deal. Throughout the trip, I kept re-imagining what church could be. You see, so often we get stuck in this frame of mind that church is only on Sundays, that it follows this fairly rigid order of service, etc… As I served amongst those considered the poorest of the poor, I couldn’t help but think- this is what ministry really is: bringing ministry to the…
News - Hot Summer Update

28 Jun 2009 | 9:20 pm

Hey Everyone, Hope you summer is heating up. It is 106 degrees as I write this in Vegas. Here is what is coming at you in this update. -Erotica LA is over and was incredible. We had a great team and you can read all about it here and watch the latest edition of XXXchurch.tv to see what happened in LA. We handed out over 4,000 bibles at the show. My wife got to go to Godchicks this weekend in LA which was a conference put on by the Oasis Church who hosted us for the LA show. She ran into one of our volunteers from the show who had brought a girl from the industry to the women's conference.

Doorkeeper's Journal
Blogging hiatus

Craig

9 Jun 2009 | 9:31 am

I have several folks who have wondered about the lack of new content recently. Well, here's how it happens...summer is upon us and the responsibilities for my time lie in various areas, which all trump the time I would normally devote to writing. It will be occasional, at best, for the next month or so. Then, things should return to a somewhat normal schedule. Thanks for your interest and don't
Crazy Love study, Chapter 1...

Craig

20 May 2009 | 9:25 am

We started our first week doing a small-group study of Crazy Love by Francis Chan. The first chapter is entitled "stop praying"...many people saw warning signs going up when they read that, I know. It's not what you think! It's about not being in a rut...not doing the ususal, ritualistic, same old, same old. We need to be focusing on a more relational conversation, while also focusing on what
An observation and question...

Craig

4 May 2009 | 11:22 am

Last night as we got ready to begin our services, I received a text with some information I would rather not get, especially when preparing to be in front of the church leading music. Immediately the passage found in Philippians 4:6 & 7 came to mind..."Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7)And the peace
Be Happy!!!

Craig

27 Apr 2009 | 8:52 am

We've been going over several things dealing with struggles the past week or so and thought I would bring a post with more of something we should be happy with. I've been browsing through some sites of friends the past couple days and found my inspiration at Russ Hutto's site. He has some free wallpaper that hit me. The March free paper was a canvas with Romans 5:8 on it, beautifully done, I
Say a Prayer...

Craig

24 Apr 2009 | 12:22 pm

I have spent quite a bit of time in prayer today as I review through the Twitterverse (universe of Twitter, that is). I have been praying for several requests, including a family who lost 4 members of their family this morning locally, the upcoming Compassion Bloggers trip to India, praise and worship services this coming weekend, and the many friends who are learning at Catalyst West Coast.I am

Life on Life
You Gotta Have Faith

2 Jul 2009 | 12:29 pm

Last week our staff couldn't resist making a little music video for our upcoming series, You Gotta Have Faith, which begins this Sunday at Crossroads. RSS Subscribers: There is video here.
I Became a Church Planter (2 of 2)

1 Jul 2009 | 2:08 pm

The following is 2 of 2 interviews I recently did with two pastors who are embarking on a new journey -- planting churches. I asked both of them a few questions about their story in each of these interviews. Clayton Bell currently serves on staff at Every Nation, Tallahassee as Family Pastor. He won't be there much longer because he is stepping out to plant a church. This is part of his story. MeTell us about where you are currently serving and what you are currently doing?Clayton: Well, right now I'm in Chantilly, Virginia for the North American conference of Every Nation Churches, the…
Beach Baptism Highlights

1 Jul 2009 | 1:16 pm

Here are some highlights from our Beach Baptism on Sunday at Crossroads.RSS Subscribers: There is video here.
I Became a Church Planter (1 of 2)

30 Jun 2009 | 12:08 pm

The following is 1 of 2 interviews I recently did with two pastors who are embarking on a new journey -- planting churches. I asked both of them a few questions about their story in each of these interviews. Zak White currently serves on staff at The Connection Church in Kyle, TX as Executive Pastor. He won't be there much longer because he is stepping out to plant a church. This is part of his story.Me:Tell us where you are serving and what you are currently doing?Zak I currently serve on staff at The Connection Church as Executive Pastor. I'll be on staff for one more week and then we are…
Manic Monday Minute

29 Jun 2009 | 6:21 pm

Manic Monday Minute is a serious mind-dump that will probably take you one minute to read. Here are some thoughts going through my head right now...This is the Manic Monday MinuteCan't wait to show you the little music video our staff put together this past week. We shot the vid in about 30 minutes... but its funny and promotes our next series, "You Gotta Have Faith," that starts this weekend.Verrry busy weekend. Helped raise nearly $1,000 towards our mission goal this weekend. We still have a little ways to go if you'd like to help put us over the top. Contact me if you'd like to…

Deep Thoughts by Gman
Transformers II - Reviews

3 Jul 2009 | 9:48 am

From a Youthworker's perspective Too much degrading of women.From a Critic's Review Too many holes in the plot.http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO
I'm a Volunteer Chaplain Associate!

2 Jul 2009 | 9:13 am

This past Monday I completed my Clinical Pastoral Visitation Training and went from being an Intern to an Associate Chaplain. I put in over 50hrs in the CPVT program and gives a sampling of what one unit of CPE might be. I could explore taking more chaplaincy courses if I wish. This was with Western Maryland Hospital CenterThanks to Chaplain Bower for all his insight.http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO
What I'm currently Reading

1 Jul 2009 | 9:08 am

The Ten Things book I've kind of put off ..(It got boring in some parts and just getting ready to pick up)The Notes from the Tilt-a-whirl ... I just got. In fact a lady in the restaurant where I was having coffee wanted a copy and wrote the author and that done because the book looked interesting. (It reminds me a lot of Renee Altson's writings for some reason - very poetic and insightful). I'll post reviews when I can.http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO
Mad Church Disease! Short Review!

1 Jul 2009 | 8:55 am

I've been reading a lot of different books lately. This one I read over the weekend.One of the things with this book, is it convicts you. I wish I had it years ago. I've dealt with burnout several times in my ministry life and even heeded some godly wisdom from some great mentors after the fact.Here is a hard hitting fact (and toe stomping)"71 percent of all ministers admit to being overweight by an average of 32.1 pounds."pg. 48 (Probably why I don't hear too many sermons on gluttony)Here is a quote:(From Matt Carter interview in the book)"I grew up in a church that expected the pastor to be…
Leading the Comeback Church.

1 Jul 2009 | 8:31 am

I just finished the book, Leading the Comeback Church.There is so many quotes in it. Such as pg. 94 from General Dwight Einenhower"Take your job seriously, but not yourself."Chapter 5 on The "Forced out Pastor" was worth the price of the book - giving some glim but realities of ministry.David Goetz of Leadership was quoted as saying "Today may be the worse time to lead a church" pg. 71 (Sometimes I think he's right)From Rick Warren "If your church is serious about reaching the unchurched, you must be willing to put up with people who have a lot of problems. Fishing is often messy and smelly.

Let Me Be Frank With You
Monvee – Custom Designed Spiritual Growth

frank

30 Jun 2009 | 9:40 am

John Ortberg says, “Disciples of Jesus cannot be mass produced – they have to be hand crafted.” As church leaders we often take personal responsibility for mass producing disciples from our congregations. The challenge is that discipleship requires an individual to take personal responsibility for their development and a leader to provide individual attention, accountability and feedback. Monvee may be a new tool that could help. What is Monvee? From what I understand so far, Monvee is a spiritual formation program that custom designs a path of spiritual growth based…
North Point Online August 16th

frank

26 Jun 2009 | 5:02 pm

Andy Stanley is one of my favorite speakers and soon you will actually be able to hear him live online. North Point will be (kind of) starting a web campus similar to Lifechurch.tv and others as they launch their online worship experience on August 16th. The video below will give you the scoop is a promo of what is coming soon… North Point Online Promo from John on Vimeo.
Social Media Discussion

frank

23 Jun 2009 | 7:52 pm

Social media is changing the way we maintain relationships, connect in the workplace, and even beginning to change the way we do ministry. The Christian Web Trends Blog recently posted a some great Q&A discussion about social media that you may want to check out: Post 1: Social Networking Consumption Post 2: Social Networking For Organizations Post 3: Social Media for Individuals Post 4: Future of Social Networking What forms of social media do you use and what are your favorites?
Don’t Stop Believin’ PS-22 NY

frank

21 Jun 2009 | 8:03 pm

I don’t know if you saw the pilot of the new show on Fox, Glee but it was pretty cool. However these kids from PS-22 in NY got em beat. Check out their version of Don’t Stop Believin. The group has performed for celebrities and even for members of congress. Their videos have been viewed by millions on the web. Take a look…
What You Miss When You Don’t Slow Down

frank

18 Jun 2009 | 11:17 am

Every so often I have a conversation with my Dad that makes me think about my life and lessons I’m currently learning. During our morning coffee out by the pool he asked me what this time off has been teaching me. It took me a moment to answer but here is what I came up with, YOU CAN DO LESS AND BE HAPPY. Here is the myth I bought into. In order to be happy I had to stay busy. Constantly on the go with things. Busy with work, busy with projects, busy with life. Constantly asking myself what’s next instead of taking quiet time and enjoying my kids and making sure that…

Digging the Word
Plans Bigger Than Ours

3 Jul 2009 | 6:00 am

scriptureJohn 11:1 A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha. 2 This is the Mary who later poured the expensive perfume on the Lord's feet and wiped them with her hair. Her brother, Lazarus, was sick. 3 So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, "Lord, your dear friend is very sick."4 But when Jesus heard about it he said, "Lazarus's sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this." 5 So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, 6 he stayed where he was for the…
Consider The Evidence

1 Jul 2009 | 6:33 am

scriptureJohn 10:22 It was now winter, and Jesus was in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication. 23 He was in the Temple, walking through the section known as Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 The people surrounded him and asked, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”25 Jesus replied, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name. 26 But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give…
Can You Hear The Shepherds Voice?

30 Jun 2009 | 3:37 am

scripture John 10:1 “I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! 2 But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. 5 They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.” 6 Those…
What Is Your Opinion? Are you too blind to make the right choice?

29 Jun 2009 | 5:38 am

scriptureJohn 9:1 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. 2 “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his sins or his parents’ sins?” 3 “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. 4 We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. 5 But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.”6 Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva,…
Get Your Work Done

27 Jun 2009 | 4:08 am

scriptureJohn 9:1 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. 2 “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” 3 “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. 4 We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. 5 But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.”6 Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the…

www.InnovativeMinistryLeader.com "The Blog"
$78 Dollars a Ticket for Casting Crowns!!

innovativeministryleader

18 Jun 2009 | 12:04 pm

Wow, I don’t want to take this personally to the group Casting Crowns, because their hearts are amazing, and they are amazing writers. We just got an email from Ticketmaster, and their tickets range from $28-$78 dollars. That is a bit pricy to worship. Secular concerts don’t even get that high. And again the Christian Music Industry wonders why they are not making it. Blink 182 just released a statement that they are going to be offering $20 dollar tickets to their shows. They are as big as you can get in the business, and they care about their fans to be able to afford a great…
Troy Gramling Leadership Message was Amazing!!!

innovativeministryleader

16 Jun 2009 | 2:41 pm

If you missed the Leadership Message from Troy Gramling, you can still view it in the archive of Innovativeministryleader.com He brought an amazing message on 7 effective characteristics of a great Leadership. You don’t want to miss it! Team IML
Upcoming Speakers on IML

innovativeministryleader

14 Jun 2009 | 11:33 pm

Check out this quick promo of upcoming speakers for the month of June and July. Be sure to see complete list of speakers at www.innovativeministryleader.com Team IML
Troy Gramling this Tuesday!

innovativeministryleader

13 Jun 2009 | 9:35 am

Be sure to check out Troy Gramling this Tuesday on innovativeministryleader.com Team IML
Anne Jackson Clip from IML

innovativeministryleader

8 Jun 2009 | 6:32 pm

Be sure to register tonight or tomorrow to see Anne, share her thoughts and insight in burnout in ministry. You won’t want to miss it! www.innovativeministryleader.com Team IML

pastorforlife.org
Governor Mark Sanford Could Be You or Me

Paul

30 Jun 2009 | 11:24 pm

It has been stated throughout the unfolding of the circumstance for South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford that he often would retreat after legislative sessions because they would wear him out. Retreating and refreshing is good, but at some point, Mark made some dangerous decisions about his integrity. Most likely, those decisions came in weariness and fatigue. They almost always do. Pastor Gary Lamb recently said that in the couple of weeks after his resignation as a result of his affair, he had received over 30 anonymous emails from Pastors who admitted in those emails they were currently in…
Erwin McManus & Dave Gibbons on Burnout

Paul

27 Jun 2009 | 3:21 pm

There’s an interesting conversation posted over here between Erwin McManus and Dave Gibbons. In it, they share the following on pastoral burnout: ________________________________ How to avoid burnout? Erwin: Not the bible that helps someone live a moral life (it’s when people are truly connected to Jesus) There are lots of lost people that live honorable lives It’s about escape (that’s why someone kills their wife instead of divorcing); pastors want to get out so they self-destruct Burnout is about doing something you don’t love way too much When you do something you love, you…
A Pastor or A Politician? The Unfolding of Governor Mark Sanford?

Paul

25 Jun 2009 | 9:44 am

What’s the difference between a Pastor and a Politician? Both are highly public figures. Both represent something larger than themselves. There are similarities that are eerie and sometimes dangerous, and we could go on and on about them. But there are some important distinctions to make too. When a Pastor fails morally, he or she most often loses everything, their job, their church, often their support system, kids often lose their friends from church or their school if a move is necessary; sometimes they even lose their marriage and family. When a Politician fails morally, he or she…
Summer Days Got You In A Daze?

Paul

23 Jun 2009 | 12:41 am

Summer brings with it all of its splendor and, hopefully, the anticipation of some down time with family and friends. How are you facing it this year? Are you excited about, ready for some time to refresh relationships, maybe see some friends or family you haven’t seen in a while? Or are you feeling like closing the door on your bedroom, ready for somebody to wake you up when it’s time to go back to work? There are lots of great assessment tools available to help you gauge your burnout potential and current status. I want to suggest one here that can give you an idea of where you…
Good Stuff Coming From Gary Lamb’s Pain

Paul

20 Jun 2009 | 12:11 am

When I speak of anything good coming from someone’s pain, it’s not news to any real leader. The best stuff of life and ministry, especially when in leadership, comes through pain. We have all felt the sting of where Gary is at in one way, shape or form. Maybe not in ways disqualifying you from ministry (though maybe so), but maybe painful in other ways we could go on and on about. Disappointment …. discouragement …. half-heartedness from leaders (or ourselves) …. betrayal …. gossip that cuts to the core …. (you fill in this blank) Among the so many…

Reflections
Photo Friday: softball field at night

3 Jul 2009 | 6:32 am

I really like the way baseball/softball fields look at night when its still light out and the lights come on.
Book Review: God's Little Princess Devotional Bible by Sheila Walsh

1 Jul 2009 | 4:29 am

(This review is for all of you youth workers who have little girls at home. Or for anyone who works with children and might need a resource of ideas or a gift to give to parents)As my daughter is getting ready to turn one, I am really starting to think about what resources are available to help me as a parent. I think I know what the boys need a lot better than I know what my little girl needs. So, when I saw God's Little Princess Devotional Bible, I was quick to pick it up. This devotional Bible is geared toward girls age 4-7 and I would say Walsh has done a good job writing for that age…
Trivia Wednesday #128: Movie at #1 for the most weekends

1 Jul 2009 | 4:21 am

answer #127 - The Passion of the Christ (#12 - $370,782,930) (Finding Nemo, #15 - $339,714,978) (Which movie has grossed more domestically, The Passion of the Christ or Finding Nemo?)question #128 - What movie has the most weekends at #1?
A prayer during communion

30 Jun 2009 | 4:32 am

I was sitting by my boys (5 and 3), one on each side of me during service. Nothing unusual was happening, mostly the same routine for us during the service. Then came the Lord's Supper. This part of the service is always interesting for us, because it can be difficult to quietly concentrate on Christ's sacrifice when your child is asking you to get him a crayon or help read a book. Over the weeks/months, we have been trying to teach the boys what the Lord's Supper is about and why we partake each week.Before I continue the story, you need to know that we pass the bread first and then pass the…
Learned from Twitter: Week ending June 27, 2009

27 Jun 2009 | 5:03 am

This is the first full week of summer and for the youth worker that means not being in the office. That was noticed this week on Twitter, as many days were low on the tweeting by friends. I can only hope this means a lot of ministry was done with teenagers. Anyway, here are a few things I learned this week...1. jenhowver (Jen Howver) shared an article on conducting surveys."an ingenious way to conduct a survey (& probably get a good grade on your research project!): http://bit.ly/xtxfV"2. ellerytheband (Ellery) has been sharing thoughts on what is going on in the studio. A new album is…

Human3rror
Evangelion 1.0: ‘You Are (Not) Alone’ Trailer

John

2 Jul 2009 | 1:37 pm

I am a serious fan of this Japanese Anime series, Evangelion. They are redoing the film and updating the animation quality, adding more content, etc. I couldn’t be more pleased or stoked. I actually own the Full Run, including Death & Rebirth and The End of Eva: I seriously cannot wait for this revamp! Trailer after the jump: [See post to watch QuickTime movie] Feel free to download the .mov file here!
Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 Ads: FAIL?

John

2 Jul 2009 | 3:30 am

I’ll be honest, I actually chuckled once (or twice) watching Microsoft’s new ad campaign for Internet Explorer 8. What do you think? Do they deserve the FAIL card? Or are they just lame… I think Microsoft took down this last one because of “content” that was “suggestive” in nature and that people didn’t really like. So… I did what good bloggers do… find someone who saved a copy and reposted! PUAHA. I HEART THE INTERNETS.
If Only Marriage Was This Easy…

John

1 Jul 2009 | 9:55 am

Marriage is tough. Toughest thing I’ve done. Toughest thing I’m doing. Toughest thing I’m willing to do. It’s not easy. It’s hard. Sometimes it feels like it borderlines the impossible. Snap. I’m all about Romans 7: “I don’t do what I want to do and I do what I don’t want to do”: When I tell her that I love her then do something that doesn’t remotely reflect that love. When I promise her I’ll do something and then completely forget not only to do it but also that I actually promised her that I’d do what I promised.
Andy Stanley ‘Gets’ Twitter and Makes Me LOL.

John

30 Jun 2009 | 7:10 pm

My Pastor, Andy Stanley (@AndyStanley on Twitter) cracks me up. I’m not sure if he changed his bio recently or I just missed it completely, but, it is truly hilarious. I think that this proves, without a shadow of a doubt, that he “gets” Twitter. Keep on Tweeting on.
Michael Jackson and the .Gif

John

30 Jun 2009 | 4:18 am

I’m not sure why I find these so entertaining, but I do.

KRELLFISH
Never Cone Alone

Audra Krell

24 Jun 2009 | 7:01 pm

If only it had been as beautiful as this picture.For one thing, ear candling isn't typically a "spa" type experience for me. My first encounter with it was back in the late 90's. My mom, sister and I had heard of ear candling and thought we would try it for ourselves. We decided to party like it was 1999 and ended up burning a hole in mom's brand new comforter. We did the procedure on each other, anxiously cut open the candle and shrieked, hooted and hollered over the disgusting amount of wax inside each candle. We didn't know then, that the wax was simply…
Talking to the Dead

Audra Krell

24 Jun 2009 | 12:49 pm

I love being a freelance book reviewer. I have yet to read and review a book that wasn't good. My latest fiction read, is no exception. Bonnie Grove's first novel "Talking to the Dead" is excellent. I couldn't put it down. Bonnie's use of humor in this story is brilliant. I was laughing out loud, amazed at the way she inserts humor into what is traditionally a morose subject. Like Francine Rivers says in her endorsement, I can't wait for Bonnie Grove's next book!It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog…
Secondhand Jesus

Audra Krell

18 Jun 2009 | 11:42 am

Glenn Packiam has written a great book about knowing God. His authenticity, honesty and hope make for a great read about truly knowing God and rejecting a life that isn't rooted in the truth of Scripture.Packiam doesn't just have me at hello with this quote: "God was my Jerry Maguire, my ambassador of quan, and my prayers were spiritually cloaked versions of asking Him to "show me the money."but fully wins my heart when he talks about how he and the woman who is now his wife, stopped on the side of the road and confirmed their love for each other, in the little…
Interview with Kat Crawford/Audrey Hebbert

Audra Krell

16 Jun 2009 | 4:01 pm

A Cup of Comfort Women of the Bible DevotionalFor Christian woman in need of a daily dose of comfort and inspiration during these tough times comes A Cup of Comfort for Women of the Bible Devotional: Daily Reflections Inspired by Scripture’s Most Beloved Heroines. The book is filled with stories of motherhood, sadness, joy, grief—everything is explored in this book. Readers will gain strength and courage to face life’s obstacles when they read daily reflections through highlighted biblical heroines.Enjoy an interview with two of the contributing authors, Kat Crawford and Audrey…
Success

Audra Krell

25 May 2009 | 2:02 pm

Just finished reading Sammy Tippit's God's Secret Agent. It's an autobiography about Sammy Tippit who has preached the gospel on every continent. This book covers his time in the 70's through 90's where he went behind the Iron Curtain and other closed countries to share the love of Christ. I had the pleasure of hearing him speak at the Writing for the Soul conference and then briefly met him as he autographed my copy of God's Secret Agent. The back of the book says it will will expand your vision. That it did. I found his continuing story very inspiring.

Paper Bridges
No comments, please

Monica Brand

1 Jul 2009 | 5:09 am

Don’t comment on anything, guys. I’ve got some behind the blog things going on and any new comments here on monicabrand.net will be left behind. So don’t leave me any new comments here, okay? In a day or two things will be back to normal. Thanks! Post from: Paper Bridges No comments, please Related posts:Does the book Eat, Pray, Love preach Christ? Comments aThis week I anticipaBlogs need loyal commenters to build community A blog wi Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Seen and heard: unprompted love

Monica Brand

30 Jun 2009 | 5:20 am

Susan and Edmund the other day, and for no apparent reason that I could detect: I love you, Edmund! I love you, Susan! And a mutual bear hug as if to convince the sibling. Cool, huh? Post from: Paper Bridges Seen and heard: unprompted love Related posts:Book giveaway: Love as a Way of Life by Gary Chapman Thanks to Seen and heard: at the breakfast table Said one I heard a rumor Lent starts Wednesday And like a Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Team Brand: we work well together (which is convenient since we’re married)

Monica Brand

27 Jun 2009 | 6:34 pm

What began as a lame Saturday, even with me writing a whiny journal entry, turned into a really, really good day. Really! A ton of work accomplished on the back porch and yard, stuff I didn’t think would get done, because of the way the day started. It was a happy Saturday surprise. Are you like me? I love to see a large section of work accomplished. Dramatic “before” and “after” photos. I’ve noticed I’m totally that way with homeschooling too. I have a stack of papers from when Susan was nine. Why I still have those papers, when we don’t need…
Looking back: Creation Festival 2007

Monica Brand

27 Jun 2009 | 6:06 am

Just a few pictures of us at Creation in 2007, the last time we were there. Today is the last day for this year. I hope they all didn’t get too wet. I wonder what I’m thinking in this picture? Post from: Paper Bridges Looking back: Creation Festival 2007 Related posts:Summer 2007: camping at Creation music festival (aka “Don’t take my picture!”) Post fromA book tour for Earth Day: Gardening Eden (How Creation Care will Change Your Faith, Your Life, and Our World) by Michael Abbate Happy EartPause, stop and rewind I travele Related posts brought to you by Yet…
How mommy exercises without going to the gym

Monica Brand

24 Jun 2009 | 6:48 am

See more Wordless Wednesday at 5 Minutes for Mom. Post from: Paper Bridges How mommy exercises without going to the gym Related posts:It’s no joke, more artwork from my kids See more Self portrait by 3-year-old girl She says, Healing See more Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Morning Briefings (Company of Prayer)
Lord, continue to bless nations with freedom

Company of Prayer

2 Jul 2009 | 9:05 pm

I know it’s probably heretical for anyone of my generation to say this, but I never liked the song ‘Me and Bobby McGee.’ To say, “Freedom is just another word for nothin’ left to lose,’ seems dangerously shortsighted. When our freedom to do mocks all we have fought so hard to be free from, freedom seems to be the very thing we might lose. – Dwight Curry How We Behave at the Feast
For all those, including spouses, family members, friends and colleagues, dealing with devastating health issues, we pray

Company of Prayer

1 Jul 2009 | 9:05 pm

Every cancer is a journey. You never know where the journey will take you, where you’ll go. You’ll have moments of fear, hope, pain, and if you’re lucky, joy. What’s important is to go with it–wherever it goes. A great many things will be outside your control. You have to accept that you’re not entirely the driver. – Joe Eszterhas Crossbearer
Lord, let my belief override any fear I confront today

Company of Prayer

30 Jun 2009 | 9:05 pm

But, ignoring what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, ‘Do not fear, only believe.’ – Mark 5:36
For all those who feel their career has been stalled during these economic times, we pray

Company of Prayer

29 Jun 2009 | 9:05 pm

God sometimes puts us on hold so that, after the wait, there is less of us and more of Him. – Kent M. KeithDevotional Ventures: 60 Inspiring Devotions by Business Professionals for Business Professionals
I pray that I look to God for answers to my current problems

Company of Prayer

28 Jun 2009 | 9:05 pm

One thing I’ve learned is that no problem ever goes away on its own. For any human obstacle to be overcome, there must be inner work. – Dr. Arthur Caliandro Simple Steps: Ten Things You Can Do to Create an Exceptional Life

BreakPoint Commentaries
The American Creed

2 Jul 2009 | 2:33 am

'We Hold These Truths...'
The Power of an Image

2 Jul 2009 | 1:32 am

Neda's Legacy
How Good It Is to Thank the Lord

30 Jun 2009 | 2:53 am

Why Scripture Commands Us to Sing
'Lines that Divide'

29 Jun 2009 | 1:55 am

The Great Stem Cell Debate
Music in Utero

26 Jun 2009 | 7:57 am

The Smiling Unborn Child

Thinking Out Loud
Random Items

paulthinkingoutloud

2 Jul 2009 | 6:08 pm

First of all, today is the day the story went national. The CTV Television Network, The CBC TV and Radio Network and The Toronto Star finally picked up the story of the removal from television of Ronald and Reynold Mainse, formerly hosts of Canada’s national Christian television program, 100 Huntley Street. There’s also a report today from CanadianChristianity.com. This is all a full month after you read it here and here (sort of) and everywhere here in the blogosphere. Today’s publishing flurry seems to have been precipitated by a news release from Crossroads…
Celebrating Patriotism and Nationalism: Ugh!

paulthinkingoutloud

1 Jul 2009 | 5:22 pm

So there we were in Vermont, almost two years ago, on July 4th, thinking we would take in a local fireworks display on Independance Day. No such luck. “Well…” the man began, “They do one over at [name of town] on the 4th, but we already had ours, [name of town] did theirs on the 2nd… let me see… I think [name of town] has one coming up on the 7th… the one on the 3rd got rained out… but there’s always fireworks at the big county fair over at [name of town]…” Anyway, you get the idea. We went back to the motel and watched…
Persecution of Christians in China Continues Unchanged

paulthinkingoutloud

30 Jun 2009 | 7:01 pm

I gotta be totally honest with you. Stories like this one come across my e-mail every day. Yet I’m not moved to a mixture of anger and prayer as I was when I saw this particular one. Nothing has changed in China. They put on a good face for the Olympics, but now it’s back to business as usual. Religious persecution as usual. This is so wrong. Do they even know what “wrong” means? BEIJING, June 30 /Christian Newswire/ — ChinaAid calls on the international community to pray and act on behalf of imprisoned Christian house church…
You Think You Know Us, But You Don’t

paulthinkingoutloud

29 Jun 2009 | 7:36 pm

“I know what Dutch people are like” “I know what left-handed people are like” “I know what red-haired people are like” “I know what people from Arkansas are like” “I know what French people are like” “I know what lawyers are like” “I know what landlords are like” No, you don’t; you know a few, not all. “I know what Christians are like” No, you don’t; you know a few, not all. We are a community of the broken. We are fallen. We are flawed. So naturally you are going to see us at our…
Moments That Leave You Longing For Heaven

paulthinkingoutloud

28 Jun 2009 | 4:29 pm

If you’re a regular reader of this blog, and also a regular reader of the comments, you already know Cynthia aka TwoFinches aka Girl in a Glass House. Yesterday on her blog, she shared a story for the first time about a vision she experienced one night while a student in her Bible college dorm. You can read “Standing at Heaven’s Door” here; and I hope you will. Here’s a paragraph that struck me as a musician, but don’t forget to read the whole piece. The music is what I remember. Even though thousands of people were playing different songs on different…

Just A Thought
5 Questions with Kary Oberbrunner

2 Jul 2009 | 6:37 am

Welcome to 5 Questions With.....Today's guest is Kary Oberbrunner. With a M.Div. in Counseling and his D.Min. in Transformational Leadership, Kary is a self-proclaimed "Recovering Pharisee" and founder of Redeem the Day Ministries. The author of The Fine Line, Called and The Journey toward Relevance, he serves as the Pastor of Discipleship and Leadership Development at Grace Church in Powell,
Don't go to church! - Just A Thought #35

1 Jul 2009 | 7:00 am

I have to admit I have struggled with church. When I became a new born Christian I wanted to be in church all the time. I wanted to be there, EARLY, for every service. I wanted to participate in every activity. However the "newness" wore off after a season. I originally started going to church because I was trying to learn all I could about God. However after a bit I started looking around
The Fine Line

29 Jun 2009 | 7:15 am

I just finished reading The Fine Line by Kary Oberbrunner and I must say I was surprised at how challenging and insightful it was.Even though the book claimed to re-envision the gap between Christ and Culture, I truly expected it to fall slightly into one camp or the other. Leaning more towards, as Kary calls it, the Separatist or Conformist camp. However in this book Kary truly does walk the
Guns in Church? Really!!!!

28 Jun 2009 | 7:28 am

Let me start off by saying I am blessed. I am blessed to have been born in the US and blessed to have been born in a country with more freedom than other places. Even though the Lord has called us to Canada now, I am and will always be proud to be an American.However I am gravely concerned when pride in one's country takes center stage and God and His Kingdom are bumped down a notch. I am even
Missionary Spotlight: Lindsay Hallman

26 Jun 2009 | 7:48 am

Here is the next Missionary Spotlight. Each month I will highlight a different missionary that my wife and I know somewhere around the world. We encourage you to pray for them and their work. You will find contact info if you want to send them an encouraging note and also information on how to donate towards their ministry if you feel so led. The next missionary I want to spotlight is Lindsay

InsideWork
Corporate Strategic Vision

Dan Wooldridge

3 Jul 2009 | 12:01 am

Enron. Arthur Anderson. Tyco. WorldCom. Adelphia. Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities… Their leaders were highly touted, considered the most talented, the best and the brightest. And yet, these and others cascading business disasters contributed to the largest business failures in modern financial history. And all of them were caused not by disruptive technology, superior competition, unforeseen shifts in the marketplace, but by the lack of character on the part of the leaders. In the final analysis, character can take out a company more completely than incompetence or competition.
Defending My Life

Howard Morrison

2 Jul 2009 | 12:01 am

David often writes intricate psalms and slips in seemingly subtle comments. I’m sure I do that in my speech as well. I might say something almost as an offhanded comment, either hoping someone will notice or maybe I’m trying to make my point without drawing too much attention to it. In Psalm 69, David describes his enemies in detail. They hate him (4), they would want to destroy him (4), they talk about him behind his back (12), make fun of him in song (12). He also has a long, unflattering string of references to “them” and “they” (vv. 21-28) in which he makes some strong…
Thou Shalt Love Thy Customer

Bradley J Moore

1 Jul 2009 | 12:01 am

I love Starbucks. No, I really love Starbucks. You need to know this about me. It’s as if Howard Schultz had me specifically in mind when he built the store concept: the serious roast, the eclectic but ever-so-cool music, the aroma, the European Café beatnik ambience. And, oh, how I love the coffee! Or, maybe just the idea of me drinking coffee at Starbucks is what I love. In any case, I am to the point where I won’t, or can’t, drink anyone else’s coffee, which, I think, was Starbucks’ evil plan all along. Getting a cup of Starbucks coffee is now a critical part of my daily…
Why I Believe God Loves Commerce

Donald McGilchrist

30 Jun 2009 | 12:01 am

The life of the godly is justly compared to trading, for they ought naturally to exchange and barter with one another in order to maintain intercourse; and the industry with which every man discharges the office assigned him, the calling itself, the power of acting properly, and other gifts, are reckoned to be so many kinds merchandise; because the use or object which they have in view is, to promote mutual intercourse among men. — John Calvin, Commentary On A Harmony Of The Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, And Luke, p. 443 In spite of this pleasing insight from the Reformer John Calvin,…
26: True Self

Dan Wooldridge

29 Jun 2009 | 12:15 am

Richard Koch The 80/20 Individual, (p. 31), Currency To thine own self be true - but which self should you be true to? The self that spends a huge amount of time and sweat getting nowhere? The self that engages in destructive patterns of behavior? The self that follows the crowd (all of us, saints and lunatics only excepted, spend much or most of our time conforming to the dictates of others)? Our automatic self? The self that achieves nothing out of the ordinary? The self that could just as well not be a self at all? No. The self to which we must be true is our distinctive and productive…

Take Root and Write
It's Not Worth the Price

Deanna Shrodes

2 Jul 2009 | 9:40 pm

Ghandi once said, "There is nothing that wastes the body like worry, and one who has any faith in God should be ashamed to worry about anything whatsoever." Well, I've had occasion to be ashamed in this regard. I am determined to change -- to learn to trust instead of toss and turn. Back in November, a few days after getting back from a missions trip to Africa, I began to have a terrible pain in my upper left side. At first I was convinced it had something to do with the trip. My doctor suspected malaria and I was tested several times. The test came back…
The Cookies That Can Be Sin

Shona Neff

2 Jul 2009 | 9:30 pm

Like so many women, I love chocolate. I love it so much that when my son recently played in a baseball double header, I bought a giant chocolate, chocolate-chip cookie along with a bottle of water between games. It was a hot day so the cool water was refreshing and the ooey-gooey cookie was delicious. As I ate the chocolate dream riddled with melted chips, I was careful to wipe my lips and the corners of my mouth. I am notorious for getting chocolate residue all over the outside portal leading to my stomach. I was proud of myself for remembering that small, hygienic detail that cracks my…
Review of Spanish 5 Tell Me More Homeschool

Meredith Curtis

2 Jul 2009 | 9:20 pm

I was born in Venezuela and grew up hearing my parents speak Spanish and though I understand Spanish, I have trouble speaking it. When I visited my daughter, Katie Beth, in Mexico while she was studying in Guatajuato, she teased me about my attempts to speak Spanish. I kept messing up my vowel sounds. In high school, we learned to read, write, and to conjugate verbs. Remember "Esta Susana en casa?" I wish we had done more speaking in Spanish class. I have tried many methods over the years to teach Spanish to my children, so I was filled with hope as I unpacked Tell Me More to…
Raising a Voice of Victory!

Joan Rudder

2 Jul 2009 | 9:15 pm

Our interview this week is with Brooks J. Young, a dynamic young woman who is the Executive Director of Touching Heart Ministry, a faith-based, non-profit organization with the mission to restore faith and build hope in women of all ages. She is also an author, hosts her own radio show, and is the Editor-in-Chief of the recently launched online magazine, Victorious MagazineJoan: Brooks, first I must say you have an interesting name. Would you mind sharing how you came to be named Brooks?Brooks: Yes, it is unusual. My great-aunt was given the privilege of naming me. Before I was born she…
They That Wait Upon the Lord (The Importance of Being Patient)

Karen L. Evans

2 Jul 2009 | 9:10 pm

Patience, a fruit of the Spirit Hello Ladies! I hope you all have had a blessed week. Please feel free to share with the "Married to an Un-Believer"group a testimony you may have. We'd love to hear from. So, let's talk about the importance of being patient. It is so important to have patience while God is working on our husbands. When you understand that there is going to be a waiting period between your request to God and His answer, you will have a peace that surpasses all understanding. Know and believe that God is in control and His timing…

Godgirl's Weblog
Yes is Easier to Say Than No

godgirl

14 Jun 2009 | 2:04 pm

I’ve been in a real growth curve lately; one that has been extremely humbling I must say. God is up to His transforming thing, trying His best to make me in His image (I can’t believe He hasn’t given up yet.) And I’ve been dragging my feet. But, life started pounding on me again and as such, I’ve had less energy to fight. In this apathetic weariness, I’m a learning a big lesson. It’s easier to work with God than against Him, I’m finding out. Silly me for thinking likewise huh. Whenever I’ve chatted with a few people about this…
I’ll Be There

godgirl

15 May 2009 | 5:42 pm

Sometimes you just have to go through rough patches Lately I have been struggling through everything it appears. The smooth ride isn’t something that I’ve been experiencing lately, my roads are full of potholes, detours and speed bumps. Although, my life isn’t just like candy and roses, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. For it’s through these times that I experience my most growth and His Word is ever so true. (From James 1:2-7) Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith…
Son’where Over the Rainbow

godgirl

16 Feb 2009 | 7:59 pm

God Knows Just What We Need For a holiday weekend, it was a bit dreary in Southern California. However, for those celebrating a day with their loved ones on Saturday, it as bright and sunny. But for me…it was a interesting weekend, good times with friends mixed with time mulling things over with God. God and I are on an interesting growth journey at the moment. I guess it’s more like a pruning time. He’s clipping off or attempting to clip off old thinking that isn’t needed anymore. Amen. Today was a day full of rain…it came down hard and in some places it…
Just Call Me An Israelite

godgirl

25 Jan 2009 | 8:26 pm

I love how God finds numerous ways to make the same point with me. He knows that He has to, because, he knows that’s how we humans operate. We find ourselves living our lives in a circular fashion. We keep making the same mistakes and keep to similar behaviors and thank goodness he understands that and has for centuries! He has been hitting me over the head with this reality of late – that He can be trusted no matter how whiny we are – or ungrateful we are – or how anxious we are. He is used to it. He is one man whose patience should be admired. This has all come…
Why Did I Say That?

godgirl

19 Jan 2009 | 5:33 pm

Not Sure If I Say The Right Things. As I’m reading through the Bible in the year again, I am amazed how even though I’ve read these chapters dozens of times before God still has a unique and poignant message for me every day. Today’s read blew me away again and touched upon one of my hidden insecurities and in case this is one of your’s too I wanted to share it with you. I always think that I could say things better. I could be nicer with my words. I could have more tact. I could have been more eloquent. I could have been more concise, informative, clearer. If you…

Eric Bryant - Blog
“Dear Los Angeles…”

Eric Bryant

3 Jul 2009 | 5:59 am

Starting this Sunday, we begin a new series at Mosaic called “Dear Los Angeles….” A city filled with so much creativity, diversity, uniqueness, and influence. How will we use our strengths? Will we use our “powers” for good or for evil? If you are in the L.A. area, join us at Mosaic in Pasadena (9:30am & 11:15am), Whittier (9am & 11am), Beverly Hills (11:15am), and Downtown at the Mayan (7pm only during the summer). Listen in for free at iTunes or www.mosaic.org/podcast. Also, see “Dear Inland Empire…” (10am on Sundays) and…
Finding and Bringing Life (video)

Eric Bryant

2 Jul 2009 | 1:30 pm

Eric Bryant from Newsong Church on Vimeo. Above is the video from my time with Newsong in Irvine this past Sunday morning. Such great people! As part of the Joose series, I spoke on “Become a Lifegiver” using Proverbs 11:30 which says: “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.” Some thoughts from the talk: Making right and wise choices (no matter how small) puts on a path towards life. Choosing to serve or to sacrifice our own selfish interests are like planting seeds. We should win others over through our actions and our words.
Messages from Across the U.S.

Eric Bryant

2 Jul 2009 | 6:00 am

I have always loved organizging things. Even as a toddler, my mom told me that I would pull out all of her shoes from her closet and then match them up. That is one of the reasons I like websites that bring together all of the news from multiple sources such as Alltop, the Drudge Report, and the Huffington Post. I recently discovered a site which brings together messages from “America’s most innovative churches.” On this site, I noticed my message at Newsong and Steve Saccone’s message at Mosaic were featured. Take a look here.
HBO’s “Brave New Voices”

Eric Bryant

1 Jul 2009 | 3:36 pm

I discovered that some of the poets from a poetry lounge (LionLikeMindState) where some of our team from Mosaic serves may be featured on the upcoming season of Russell Simmons’ “Brave New Voices” on HBO!
Finding and Giving Life

Eric Bryant

1 Jul 2009 | 7:58 am

I had a chance to speak at Newsong in Irvine this past Sunday morning. I had a great time with the people and the team there! As part of the Joose series, I spoke on “Become a Lifegiver” using Proverbs 11:30 which says: “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.” Listen to the message here.

Faith Journey
Online Devotional Resource

Paul

24 Jun 2009 | 2:10 pm

Looking for a simple and free tool to help you in your devotional time? Check out the new website examen.me This tool leads you through a devotional time of Scripture and prayer and gives a space to journal your thoughts in response to questions. You choose what kind of “examen” you want to do: Scripture (Old Testament, New Testament, Gospel or Psalm), Prayer (Examen or Centering Out), or you can simply journal on whatever Scripture you choose. This could be a great resource for someone who may not be used to journaling, but would like to give it a try. Also, it’s helpful in…
Summer Reading

Paul

22 Jun 2009 | 7:14 am

Here’s a peak at a few things that I hope to read this summer: Waiting On God The Three Hardest Words: In the World to Get Right The Grace Awakening: Believing in Grace Is One Thing. Living it Is Another. Eat This Book: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading What’s on your summer reading list? P.S. - If you need some help finding a book, check out my library. If you live close by, I’ll even loan it to you!
Capturing Contentment

Steve

16 Jun 2009 | 1:31 pm

We live in a world that is very much against contentment. We are told to be more, buy more and do more. If we don’t buy into this mode of thinking, we are led to believe that something is wrong with us. allan quatermain and the temple of skulls movie download The Apostle Paul did not buy into this way of thinking. All throughout the book of Philippians Paul’s focus is on Christ. Consider some of the things Paul writes in Philippians: To live is Christ, to die is gain Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ Do nothing out of selfish ambition,…
Reap what you sow…

Paul

2 Jun 2009 | 11:20 am

This past Sunday, at Calvary Assembly of God, Pastor Coon preached about sowing to the Spirit so that you can reap a harvest in the Spirit. This comes from Galatians 6:7-9 which says, Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that naturewill reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Here the Apostle Paul is using the analogy of farming to give us an idea of how the spiritual life works. But, how exactly do we “sow to the Spirit”? The answer is to…
A Daily Mission Prayer

Paul

26 May 2009 | 11:50 am

Today, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I surrender my life to the mission of Jesus in this world To be a disciple of Jesus and to help others become disciples of Jesus. To love God with all of my heart, soul, mind, and body To love my fellow human being as I love myself. May everything I do today, my words and actions, be done in the name of Jesus bringing glory to God the Father. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. What would you add to this daily mission prayer? What might your own prayer look like?

theoquest
Misappropriated Allegiance???

3 Jul 2009 | 10:47 am

I love the fireworks of 4th of July celebrations. One of my favorite summers was when I ran a fireworks stand with some of my students (and my Jamaican brother in law). I like the thought of living in a nation of freedom, where I am free to think and speak as I wish. A nation of possibilities for everyone. It truly is a privilege to have been born and to live here in the United States. One that I appreciate deeply.But I'm also a citizen of another nation. We don't claim independence, but rather complete dependence on our King. The preferred way to get things done is not democracy, but rather…
Guerilla love in action

2 Jul 2009 | 3:39 pm

Vince Antonucci is a church planter who recently moved from Virginia Beach to Vegas. (Yes, that Vegas.) He has a book coming out called Guerilla Lovers about surprising people with the love of God. Apparently, his wife got an advance copy...She loaned their car to a total stranger!Check out the link to his wife's post about the incident and his response.This is the kind of love that will shock and awe a world that is looking for the real thing.
Random? or not so much?

2 Jul 2009 | 9:11 am

"What we might think of as a random outreach is anything but random when God is guiding it." - Dino RizzoThis quote from Servolution is perfect for our upcoming coldwater mission. We are going to draw a direction or maybe spin a compass or something to "randomly" choose a direction. Then we'll pull a number out of a hat to "randomly" choose a distance. We'll drive. We'll pray. We'll serve. We are going to have to trust God to guide us to the people and places that need us. And that is where the randomness is anything but random. God is already at work in each of the places we'll go. Like a…
Youth Ministry 3.0 Quotes

30 Jun 2009 | 7:50 am

I came across a couple great quotes in Youth Ministry 3.0 last night that I wanted to share here:"One of the most dangerous cul-de-sacs that any human organization can drive into is the belief that our current assumptions will continue to be correct, are evergreen, and never need to change." -Mark OestreicherMarko is writing about the historical shifts in youth culture and adolescence and the church's need to respond. (But the thinking applies well outside of the youth ministry realm as well.) Just because something was the right approach at one time, doesn't mean it will be today.But the…
No Excuses

30 Jun 2009 | 5:11 am

"'Not called!' did you say?'Not heard the call,' I think you should say.Put your ear down to the Bible, and hear Him bid you go and pull sinners out of the fire of sin. Put your ear down to the burdened, agonized heart of humanity, and listen to its pitiful wail for help. Go stand by the gates of hell, and hear the damned entreat you to go to their father's house and bid their brothers and sisters and servants and masters not to come there.Then look Christ in the face - whose mercy you have professed to obey - and tell Him whether you will join heart and soul and body and circumstances in the…

The Writing on the Wall
Stars and Stripes Forever

hiscrivener

3 Jul 2009 | 1:41 am

Fireworks. Backyard BBQ. Family. Music. Fanfare. Sports. God. USA. Whatever you equate July 4 with, it better come with a hearty side helping of patriotism. As we Christians know all too well, freedom indeed wasn’t free. There was a cost on the line – some paid in tears, some in years and many paid with their lives. We [...]
Apocalypse Watch: The Q Dog so can’t wait for 2012

hiscrivener

28 Jun 2009 | 8:53 pm

Last year, you may remember the fair warning to have your pets spayed or neutered in commemoration of the Mayan triune barnyard animal, Quetzalcoatl, who is a third snake, third bird and with some man parts sprinkled in there somewhere. Brief history lesson: The Mayans had this quirky calendar back in 10 B.C. that ends December [...]
Michael Jackson: Were you not entertained?

hiscrivener

28 Jun 2009 | 9:13 am

First, it was Ed McMahon. Then, Farrah Fawcett. Now, Michael Jackson. If I hear Darth Vader and the guy who invented Members Only jackets are gone, and the 80s will officially be over. And for some people, it already is with the passing of the self-entitled “King of Pop.” Michael Jackson was many things to many people. [...]
Cross Eyed: Run for Your Life

hiscrivener

27 Jun 2009 | 2:15 pm

Fresh on the heels of reading about people “drifting away from God,” this week in video evangelism will teach a stirring message. Fair warning: I cried when I first heard this not because of guilt or fear, but due to the lives roaming the earth who have no clue a Savior is coming, a truth is [...]
Survey: People taking detour on their walk with God

hiscrivener

24 Jun 2009 | 6:37 pm

Recently, WOW News’ The Pew Forum released a gripping study entitled “Faith in Flux” that is certain to make you scratch your head and wonder just what people have been doing while “walking with God.” And don’t worry, this is equal-opportunity sequestering. So, first, I would like to get all those who consider themselves “Catholic” to [...]

Faith Journey
Online Devotional Resource

Paul

24 Jun 2009 | 2:10 pm

Looking for a simple and free tool to help you in your devotional time? Check out the new website examen.me This tool leads you through a devotional time of Scripture and prayer and gives a space to journal your thoughts in response to questions. You choose what kind of “examen” you want to do: Scripture (Old Testament, New Testament, Gospel or Psalm), Prayer (Examen or Centering Out), or you can simply journal on whatever Scripture you choose. This could be a great resource for someone who may not be used to journaling, but would like to give it a try. Also, it’s helpful in…
Summer Reading

Paul

22 Jun 2009 | 7:14 am

Here’s a peak at a few things that I hope to read this summer: Waiting On God The Three Hardest Words: In the World to Get Right The Grace Awakening: Believing in Grace Is One Thing. Living it Is Another. Eat This Book: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading What’s on your summer reading list? P.S. - If you need some help finding a book, check out my library. If you live close by, I’ll even loan it to you!
Capturing Contentment

Steve

16 Jun 2009 | 1:31 pm

We live in a world that is very much against contentment. We are told to be more, buy more and do more. If we don’t buy into this mode of thinking, we are led to believe that something is wrong with us. allan quatermain and the temple of skulls movie download The Apostle Paul did not buy into this way of thinking. All throughout the book of Philippians Paul’s focus is on Christ. Consider some of the things Paul writes in Philippians: To live is Christ, to die is gain Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ Do nothing out of selfish ambition,…
Reap what you sow…

Paul

2 Jun 2009 | 11:20 am

This past Sunday, at Calvary Assembly of God, Pastor Coon preached about sowing to the Spirit so that you can reap a harvest in the Spirit. This comes from Galatians 6:7-9 which says, Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that naturewill reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Here the Apostle Paul is using the analogy of farming to give us an idea of how the spiritual life works. But, how exactly do we “sow to the Spirit”? The answer is to…
A Daily Mission Prayer

Paul

26 May 2009 | 11:50 am

Today, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I surrender my life to the mission of Jesus in this world To be a disciple of Jesus and to help others become disciples of Jesus. To love God with all of my heart, soul, mind, and body To love my fellow human being as I love myself. May everything I do today, my words and actions, be done in the name of Jesus bringing glory to God the Father. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. What would you add to this daily mission prayer? What might your own prayer look like?

Between Two Worlds
9Marks e-Journal on Missions

JT

2 Jul 2009 | 10:01 pm

Another issue, which looks helpful as usual. This one is devoted to missions--articles, reviews, roundtable discussion, tools that churches can use, etc.You can read the articles at the site, or download the whole thing as a single PDF.Sponsor:
C.S. Lewis's Delightful, Childlike Self-Forgetfulness

JT

2 Jul 2009 | 10:01 pm

Alan Jacobs, The Narnian: The Life and Imagination of C.S. Lewis (HarperCollins, 2005), xxii-xxiii:In most children but in relatively few adults, at least in our time, we may see this willingness to be delighted to the point of self-abandonment. This free and full gift of oneself to a story is what produces the state of enchantment. But why do we lose the desire--or if not the desire, the ability--to give ourselves in this way? Adolescence introduces the fear of being deceived, the fear of being caught believing what others have ceased believing in. To be naive, to be gullible--these are the…
Top Commentaries on Every Book of the Bible

JT

2 Jul 2009 | 11:00 am

Here are Keith Mathison's recommendations: the top 5 commentaries (in his view) on each book of the Bible.Sponsor:
Olasky on Writing Clearly

JT

2 Jul 2009 | 10:00 am

I've been thinking lately about the need for academics to write clear prose. Instead of giving examples of those who do this poorly (!), I'll mention one who does this well: Doug Moo. I've been reading through his commentary on Philemon as part of my devotions. Virtually every sentence is crisp and clear instead of complicated and cumbersome.So when I saw this clip by Marvin Olasky--in answer to the question of what we can learn from Calvin--I gave a hearty amen!Sponsor:
New Kids CD: To Be Like Jesus

JT

2 Jul 2009 | 8:00 am

I just received a copy of the new Sovereign Grace CD for kids, To Be Like Jesus. I'm eager to listen to it as we travel over the Fourth. At their site you can listen to some samples. Here's some more info:To Be Like Jesus contains twelve worship songs that teach the fruit of the Spirit in a creative and memorable way.Through these songs kids will learn that Jesus is our perfect example of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,and self-control. More than that, they’ll discover that we can’t be like Jesus unless we trust in the power of his cross to…

Out of Ur
Limited Too is Now Justice

1 Jul 2009 | 11:00 pm

by Troy Jackson Recently I needed to repair my car and chose a mechanic across the street from Kenwood Towne Center near Cincinnati. Typically, when a mall is too proud to call itself a mall, the shops are upscale, and Kenwood is no exception. So while my vehicle was repaired, I went to the mall for an overpriced cup of coffee. My eye caught an unexpected store name. In bright pink letters across the entry...
Gospel Coalition or Expedition?

30 Jun 2009 | 7:36 am

The Gospel Coalition (TGC) has been galvanizing many younger evangelicals to re-think their theology and practice. I applaud this new theological energy. But I wonder (given its moniker) whether TGC will be a force for coalition or expedition. “Coalition” describes the coalescing of a group of people or nations in order to defend some boundary or prepare for war (think Pres. Bush’s “coalition of the willing”). “Expedition,” on the other hand, is the organizing of...
Ur Video: Consumerism and Church Buildings

24 Jun 2009 | 11:00 pm

Skye Jethani's new book, The Divine Commodity: Discovering a Faith Beyond Consumer Christianity, outlines what happens when the consumer worldview and the Christian worldview collide. In this video, Jethani is interviewed by Marian Liautaud from Your Church magazine about the impact of consumerism on ministry space design. Hear more from Skye Jethani about overcoming Consumer Christianity at the STORY conference October 28-29 in Chicago. Learn more about the event at storychicago.com....
Scot McKnight: The Story Called Us

24 Jun 2009 | 7:42 am

At the end of his lecture and after answering a smattering of questions, the pristine and aged New Testament scholar, Bruce Metzger, asked Doug Moo if he could share something on his heart to the seminary students gathered that day. With the moral vigor and verbal clarity Metzger was known for, he looked at his audience and simply said, "Stay married." I can't remember the last time I heard a sermon called "Stay Married," or...
Do It, Don't Blog It

22 Jun 2009 | 2:48 pm

I was a guest speaker at a church, waiting for my time to go up to the platform. That's when I saw something curious. The staff person responsible for coordinating the worship service was busy typing away on her laptop. Perhaps a last minute change to the PowerPoint, I thought. But as I walked behind her, I saw that she was consumed with typing a message on someone's Facebook wall. It felt out of...

GetReligion
Inquisitive Vatican — or Vatican inquisition?

E.E. Evans

3 Jul 2009 | 7:00 am

It’s very appropriate that the New York Times highlight one of the developing, perhaps major religious news stories. And it’s even better, most of the time, when that story is told by religion writer Laurie Goodstein, who has a gift for nuance and ability to give her readers revealing details about her subjects in a way that is spare, usually undramatic, but enlightening. So I was a little taken aback by the way she handled what’s likely to be a hot topic for a while — several Vatican investigations of American nuns. The article has a lot of good, informative material…
The Christian view of love is … cold?

Mollie

3 Jul 2009 | 4:09 am

When I was criticizing that awful Washington Post piece about how morally confounding Mark Sanford’s love life is, it just seemed odd to me that no media outlet has really explained the Christian view of love. For being a country that is majority Christian, it’s shocking how little we read about some of the basic tenets of the theology. Anyway, no sooner had I hit publish on that last post when I came across an Associated Press story (“For born-again Sanford, love is more than a feeling”) that explains what it calls the “born-again, evangelical Christian”…
Devout goose, meet devout gander

tmatt

2 Jul 2009 | 12:08 pm

The Associated Press report is very, very, very short and raises many more questions than it answers. Here is a typical version (or click here for a longer version in the Los Angeles Times): WASHINGTON — Authorities have arrested and charged a Duke University official who they say offered his adopted 5-year-old son for sex. The FBI’s Washington field office said the school’s associate director of the Center for Health Policy, Frank Lombard, was caught in an Internet sting. Authorities said that Lombard tried to persuade a person — whom he did not know was a police…
What is love?

Mollie

2 Jul 2009 | 10:24 am

One of the things my pastor told my husband and me in premarital counseling is that we should think of love as a verb, not a noun. The Christian couple, he said, should know that love is what you do, not what you feel. On a somewhat related note, my father told me that he had counseled couples for marriage who wanted their vows to read “as long as we both shall love” instead of “as long as we both shall live.” Dad pointed out that they’d need something to keep them going after their first week of marriage. It seems to me that society views love as an emotion,…
A pastor and his pay

Brad A. Greenberg

2 Jul 2009 | 7:10 am

The Rev. Brad Braxton’s trials at Manhattan’s famed Riverside Church have been much reported since a few members of the congregation unsuccessfully sued their new pastor in April for receiving a pay and compensation package that exceeded $600,000 annually. Monday night, only nine months into the job, Braxton decided he had had enough and email to congregants announcing his resignation. “The consistent discord has made it virtually impossible to establish a fruitful covenant between the congregation and me,” he said. The New York Times responded yesterday with a story…

Ragamuffin Soul
Pray For Kate

loswhit

2 Jul 2009 | 7:53 pm

I’ve spent the majority of the day bitching and moaning about how miserable I am that my hard drive crashed. Then I stopped by Promise’s site. Her and Barton are doing something AMAZING here. But after reading about that, I saw a post about this beautiful little girl named Kate. Monday June 29th began like every other day, and ended like one we could have never imagined. Our daughter Kate was taken to the dr. for tremors in her right hand. We proceeded to Phoenix Childrens Hospital for a stat CT of her head. At 5:30 I, Holly, Kate’s mom, was taken into a room alone and told…
Great Female Worship Leaders

loswhit

2 Jul 2009 | 3:51 pm

This is Vicky Beeching. Not only is she one of the greatest female worship leaders on the planet, you can take the “female” out of this sentence. She is one of the greatest worship leaders on the planet. She is also a great friend and an even better person. I don’t think the lady’s get near the respect the men do. There are far too few. So I need to hear. Who is your favorite female worship leader and why? Los
What’s Running Through His Head?

loswhit

2 Jul 2009 | 12:14 pm

Talk, Los
@$#!@#$@$#!@$#

loswhit

2 Jul 2009 | 11:06 am

This is how I feel today. Today would be akin to opening your new restaurant and 5 hours before it opens, it floods. Not everything is ruined. Just what touches the floor. Luckily, the gracious patrons of my restaurant are planning on eating for 4 months so we shall open next week. That is the long way of saying that today was the launch of my Creative Coaching Network and my laptop crashed with all my curriculum on it at 2 am. So I started over again this morning. Luckily it’s all in my heart anyways. An army of creatives with Christ as our center is forming. And we won’t be…
If you love sneakers, creativity, and history, click play.

loswhit

1 Jul 2009 | 11:18 am

If you love sneakers, creativity, and history, click play. A motion graphics piece created by David Park, a student graduating from PARSONS SCHOOL of DESIGN. This is his thesis project, featuring the history of sneaker culture. Soul 2 Sole from David Park on Vimeo. You’re Welcome, Los

internetmonk.com
Where can you find the Internet Monk this week?

iMonk

1 Jul 2009 | 4:12 am

I’m moderating two panel discussions at Cornerstone 09. One on the church and gay issues on Friday around 4 and one on the future of evangelicalism Saturday around 2:30-3. Denise is going with me and we’re both very excited about revisiting what must be the most unique festival anywhere. I’m especially excited to see Derek Webb is playing. I’ll be taking in Soong-Chan Rah’s seminar and as many other good teachers as I can fit in. If you’re an IM reader, I’ll be wearing a Reds cap or Louisville Bats cap. Say hello! I’ll be able to check mail and…
Open Thread: What’s Our Message?

iMonk

30 Jun 2009 | 2:55 pm

So Evangelicals….what will be your version?
“What are your thoughts on a Biblical model for youth ministry?”

iMonk

30 Jun 2009 | 12:07 pm

Moving on, folks. Moving on. Reader Chris has written me a couple of notes on my overall views of youth ministry. I owe him an answer, but I’d like to open up a couple of posts on the general idea of where we are going in youth ministry. I’ve been involved primarily with teenagers for 30 of my 34 years of church ministry. For more than a decade, I did lots of church consultation and I had successful youth ministries in two large churches. I made it to a lot of large youth events down through the years and heard most of the best speakers on the youth ministry circuit. There was a…
Danny Akin’s Comments on Mark Driscoll

iMonk

30 Jun 2009 | 8:59 am

Southeastern Theological Seminary President Danny Akin on Mark Driscoll: I appreciate Mark Driscoll and Acts 29. Southeastern has no formal relationship with either, but I am thankful for many aspects of both ministries. I think there is much that our students can learn from them. Mark and I have become good friends, but I do not agree with everything Mark says or does. In particular, I disagree with some of the language he has used in the pulpit in the past (though not in several years!) and I am uncomfortable with his position on beverage alcohol. I do appreciate his courage to tackle the…
The Driscoll Debate: iMonk vs Turk, Part 2

iMonk

29 Jun 2009 | 6:39 pm

UPDATE: Justin D. Barnard at Mere Comments has a much more useful and on point critique of Driscoll here. First of all, let me thank Frank for the opportunity to have a good discussion about the issue of pastoral accountability in the internet age (a very important topic) and for having such a constructive and positive dialog. Though I expect to be denounced to the lower reaches of the pit by a couple of commenters at his place, Frank’s been a first class conversation partner, and has said nice things about another post of mine to boot. I have very little to say in response to…

Vintage Faith
Emerging Church memories and good and nice things

DanKimball

25 Jun 2009 | 12:21 pm

I got a copy of the book "Evangelicals Engaging Emergent" in the mail. It is a book which calls itself on the back "A comprehensive Evangelical assessment of the Emergent/Emerging Church". I flipped through it and saw in the index...
Thoughts On Planning Ahead Sermon-Teaching Series

DanKimball

22 Jun 2009 | 11:37 pm

A couple weeks ago I Twittered that we had an all-day sermon planning series and mapped out a year in advance of what the teaching is. I got several emails and questions about when we plan in advance - does...
Origins Project update

DanKimball

18 Jun 2009 | 12:45 pm

We had a conference call today about the Origins Project which was great looking ahead a bit. For those that don't know what the Origins Project is - it is a community being birthed for those who have a passion...
Apart from prayer, I can't think of anything more important than outreach right now

DanKimball

27 May 2009 | 10:42 am

I am posting today being part of the National Outreach Convention blog tour. They are going to different blogs of the various speakers to have some blog-dialog and today is the day at this one. The focus of their convention...
Could Green Day be the next U2?

DanKimball

15 May 2009 | 8:32 am

I don't agree with some of Green Day's political pokes as well as some of their themes. But I just listened to their new album from beginning to end. It was catchy and I want to listen to it again....

Albert Mohler's Blog
A Governor, a King, and the Tragedy of Adultery

Albert Mohler

2 Jul 2009 | 2:24 am

The sad spectacle of South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford continues to dominate the headlines as further revelations add one bizarre twist after another to the governor’s tale of adultery, deceit, and the consequences of sin. With every passing day, pressure mounts for the governor to resign. As the revelations unfold, his leadership credibility is further [...]
Richard Dawkins Jumps The Shark

Albert Mohler

30 Jun 2009 | 1:47 am

News out of Great Britain indicates that Richard Dawkins, perhaps the world’s most famous living atheist, is setting up a summer camp intended to help children and teenagers adopt atheism. As The Times [London] reports: “Give Richard Dawkins a child for a week’s summer camp and he will try to give you an atheist for life.” The [...]
The Assurance of Things Hoped For

Albert Mohler

29 Jun 2009 | 2:01 am

THE ASSURANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR: A LIVING STEWARDSHIP FOR THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AND THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION R. Albert Mohler, Jr., President Delivered June 24, 2009 at the Service Commemorating the Sesquicentennial of the Seminary’s Founding I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ as we join together to commemorate and to celebrate the sesquicentennial [...]
Welcome Address to the 2009 Southern Baptist Convention

Albert Mohler

25 Jun 2009 | 11:51 pm

[This week the Southern Baptist Convention met in Louisville for its annual meeting. This is the welcome address I was privileged to deliver on June 23, 2009. Responsibilities with the SBC this week precluded regular commentary writing. I will return to regular commentary next week.] It is my high honor to welcome messengers of the 2009 [...]
Watch Out for Myths About Fatherhood

Albert Mohler

19 Jun 2009 | 10:45 am

The role of the father is increasingly problematic in the context of modern American culture. Fatherhood has been marginalized and the rule and authority of fathers have been depreciated, ridiculed, and continuously redefined. From the Berenstain Bears to The Simpsons, fathers are all too often the object of ridicule or the subject of the laugh [...]

Without Wax
Message Slip-ups, Embarrassing moments, and Tony Morgan

Pete Wilson

2 Jul 2009 | 5:44 am

Everyone loves a good message slip-up. Just ask our Nashville campus Pastor, Blake Bergstrom, who may never live his down. And just in case you’re the only person in America who hasn’t seen it please enjoy THIS. Several years ago when we were still meeting in Gower Elementary school I had one of my most embarrassing slip-ups. If you were around in those days you’ll remember it wasn’t that uncommon to see a large cockroach scurrying across the cafeteria floor. In one particular message I was trying to tell our community just how proud I was of them. I was trying to say…
I Sweat A lot

Pete Wilson

1 Jul 2009 | 6:45 am

So this past Sunday we concluded the Q series by allowing our Cross Point attenders to text in their questions. The questions were presented to me live to answer with no preparation. I got asked some of the toughest questions I’ve ever been asked. From questions about homosexuality, suicide, and dinosaurs to marijuana and masturbation. Funny how you can put together a pretty good answer to some of these questions when you’re sitting at the table with your friends and have about 30 minutes to talk through them. I found out it’s a lot more difficult when you have 3 seconds and…
Swap For a Day?

Pete Wilson

30 Jun 2009 | 4:32 am

If you could swap jobs for a day with anyone who would you swap with? Me? Easy…Matt Lauer. He’s a cool dude, seems to enjoy his job, and he get’s to meet a ton interesting people.
A Summer Study Break

Pete Wilson

29 Jun 2009 | 7:47 am

It’s hard for me to believe, but I started my first church over 13 years ago. God has allowed me to have an incredible ride over the years! If you know me at all the one thing I’ve always struggled with over the years is the pace of ministry. There have been seasons that I did not manage the balance of my own spiritual growth, my family, and ministry very well. In recent years I’ve worked much harder at keeping this balance. Yesterday, at Cross Point Nashville I announced I’m taking my first study break. After 13 years of preaching messages almost every single weekend…
Timing Is Everything

Pete Wilson

26 Jun 2009 | 6:23 am

Last Friday I scratched another thing off my “bucket list” when I went surfing with the boys. While I had a blast surfing I had more fun teaching the boys to surf. In reality I really don’t know how to surf, but I discovered throughout the day it’s all about timing. If we got too far out in front of a wave it would go over us and we’d fizzle out. If we waited too long to get momentum we might miss out on an incredible wave that could have taken us all the way in. Success for us was completely dependent on watching, being ready, and knowing exactly when to start…

22 Words
Despite the obvious similarities, I still think blogging here is different than Tweeting.

Abraham Piper

2 Jul 2009 | 6:46 am

If Twitter has put “brief, blurting blogging” to rest, I must be that kid who keeps getting up saying he can’t sleep. (link via @ProdigalJohn) Related: I’m not a very convincing authority figure at naptime. Very short posts can do one thing well. On average, web users read almost 100% of a page’s content only if it is 25 words or less.
Hedging my parental promises with all kinds of maybes: Lazy or necessary?

Abraham Piper

1 Jul 2009 | 2:50 am

I answer perhaps to almost everything Orison asks for. And it’s not true; I just don’t want to listen, think, and decide.
Ah, now I see why there are child labor laws. (Or maybe I should’ve just put shoes on him.)

Abraham Piper

30 Jun 2009 | 7:44 am

Orison was helping in the attic. Then he dropped a piece of 2x6 on his foot. No more work for him ever:
Most people can convince themselves not to have abortions if they see what they’re saving.

Abraham Piper

29 Jun 2009 | 5:59 am

Stats show that most women who see their unborn baby won’t abort. Project Ultrasound is doing something about it. Check them out.
My wife’s first blurb. Some of you will really like the book it’s about.

Abraham Piper

28 Jun 2009 | 5:36 pm

My wife just received the book with her first blurb: A Symphony in the Dark: Hearing God’s Voice in Seasons of Grief

beauty and depravity
the beautiful and broken story

Eugene Cho

2 Jul 2009 | 9:34 am

Stories are essential. Our ability to experience, process, and share our stories is one of the reasons that make us uniquely human and a reminder, in my opinion, of affirmation that we are created in the image of our loving God. The Scriptures is a profound narrative of God – unfolding his identity, purpose, and commitment [...]
near naked dancing dude: courage or herd mentality?

Eugene Cho

30 Jun 2009 | 12:47 am

Take three minutes to watch this video from the 2009 Sasquatch Music Festival from our very own, Washington State. One shirtless dude (his name & story below) is dancing all alone to the song UnStoppable by Santigold. After some awkward gyrations, another guy amazingly joins him in dancing; and then a third, and [...]
the brilliance and mystery of michael jackson

Eugene Cho

26 Jun 2009 | 12:20 am

It’s not like you need another Michael Jackson tribute or post but oh well… Clearly, there are more important things going on around the world but it doesn’t mean that we can’t pause to reflect on one of the most iconic figures of global pop culture. His shocking death is news all around the world. [...]
i made a mistake. i should have switched to a mac.

Eugene Cho

25 Jun 2009 | 10:56 am

Several months ago, I pondered making a change from a PC to a Macbook (and asked for your advice) but resisted the peer pressure from the Apple cult and nearly everyone on my staff using a Mac but after seeing this video, I confess I may have made a mistake. If there are any PC [...]
seattle low tide adventures & most beautiful summer city

Eugene Cho

25 Jun 2009 | 12:42 am

Earlier this year, I asked my readers for their opinion about the “most beautiful city in the world.” There were many compelling nominations. Having lived in San Francisco and having visited other beautiful places including Capetown & Johannesburg (South Africa), Vancouver BC, NYC, San Diego, Monterey/Carmel, London, Hamburg (Germany), Beijing/Shanghai, Bangkok/Chang Mai, Kagoshima (Japan), etc… I [...]

Wrecked for the Ordinary
If Mountains Could Speak: Worship and the Image of God

1 Jul 2009 | 5:00 pm

I was standing on top of Pike's Peak overlooking the city below. I recall describing the view to my friends as one of the most spectacular things I have ever seen. It was literally breathtaking. I've traveled a lot in my life, and I've seen some amazing things, but nothing, nothing compared to the view I had from the top of the mountain. Awestruck by the fact that I could see the fields of Kansas from where I stood, I was filled with amazement as I thought about the God who created all of this. I think we have all had experiences similar to the one I just described. Maybe it was in the…
Whispers of Hope: A Review

1 Jul 2009 | 5:00 pm

WHISPERS OF HOPE I was captivated from the start. I watched as a man took a gift out of his mouth, a bit unusual, but I was hooked. I soon discovered that the song Gabriel and the Vagabond', by Foy Vance, took me to a place of deep thought and emotional connection. Foy Vance has a soothing sound. He fuses poignant lyrics with intriguing images to create a thought provoking piece. The innocent portrayal of reality is captivating. Vance's desire for change, a longing for God and a thirst for justice is evident. Throughout the video, the monochromatic colors mixed with pencil…
A Sex Slave at Three Years Old

30 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

What do you see when you look at this picture? Obviously there are four feet, two from an adult and two precious little ones from a toddler. I bet that you would never see or assume the truth behind this image, this haunting picture. The two little feet that you see were just sold for $60 US Dollars to a pimp. A three-year old turned sex slave. His name is Michael Angelo. Welcome to Navotos, where Michael lives. Navotos is a community of 10,000 people who live on top of tombs in a graveyard in the Philippines. Michael lives in the part of the community that is…
Everybody Thinks This Is a Great Post

29 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

The most common, useless phrases all start with something like, "Everyone thinks..." or, "I know a lot of people who say..." or, "A bunch of people are..." In the church, or in the office, or the school, or within the political party, or or any other place you can imagine both physical and virtual these phrases are completely unhelpful and often toxic. I can almost guarantee you that the person(s) using these phrases is wrong. They haven't taken the time to get a lot of feedback or specific input. They haven't asked important questions. They often don't even care about logic. …
There's Probably No God

28 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

As a team, we went to Cologne University, Germany and surveyed over 150 students. We asked them questions like: "Who or what do you think God is?" "If you could ask God one question what would you ask?" "What do you think happens when you die?" Our intention was to get an idea where European university students are at in their view of God, share the Gospel, and develop long-term relationships with those interested. What we found was that 45.5% of those surveyed believe God is some type of Energy Force but not a person, 37% don't believe God exists, 10.5% believe God to be a…

Kary Oberbrunner : Recovering Pharisee
Does God Love Me?

Kary Oberbrunner

2 Jul 2009 | 6:22 am

I think when we turn down the noise of life, deep inside we desperately wonder this…I know I do… In honor of my sister Sarah. Happy Birthday. God loves you…so do I.
Don’t Condemn Culture…Change it!

Kary Oberbrunner

30 Jun 2009 | 9:48 pm

In a previous season of discouragement, I received this encouraging email. Thanks Jenny. Kary- I just finished your book “The Fine Line,” and I have to say I honestly expected it to be another rant/ hate speech against culture. I was skeptical about exactly how you would come to a conclusion, or define the line between Christ and Culture- because before I read this I believed there was no compromise between the two. But I ate my words after the first chapter, and I was amazed by how you put definitions to the “camps” of people I had been noticing for years. This is by…
Tony Morgan’s RV Tour Early Bird Rate Over Tomorrow

Kary Oberbrunner

29 Jun 2009 | 9:53 pm

I told you the good news a couple weeks back. Tony Morgan is coming to Grace Church to do a workshop. On building teams, empowering leaders, leaders finding focus and some Q and A. All this for $29. That is until Tomorrow. Sign up now. Read more about the book Killing Cockroaches. Looking forward to hosting you. Bring your team too.
2 Sweet Books & 1 Stupid Movie

Kary Oberbrunner

28 Jun 2009 | 3:39 am

Just finished up vacation. Just finished up 2 Slick Books and 1 Stupid Movie. The books? 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell. Loved it again…for the 3rd time. In my top 5 of all time. The Call by Os Guinness. So so. The Movie? The Sasquatch Gangby the makers of Napolean Dynamite. Here’s my favorite clip: Would like to know… What’s the latest book you read and the latest movie you watched? Were they stupid or sweet?
Thanks Faithful Fine Line Readers

Kary Oberbrunner

25 Jun 2009 | 7:47 pm

On vacation recently with the family. Stopped in at a couple bookstores. Hages and Family Christian Bookstores. Both had The Fine Line on their end caps (alongside some other sweet books). Thanks readers for spreading the word so that stores have to stock it. More free stuff coming your way soon. Like Episode 37 of the Podcast. In the meantime, I am finishing editing my next Zondervan book out in 2010. Thanks for your support and prayers.

Ligonier Ministries Blog
Read the Entire July Issue of Tabletalk on John Calvin Online

3 Jul 2009 | 12:55 pm

Read feature articles on John Calvin by R.C. Sproul, Thabiti Anyabwile, Rick Gamble, David Hall, Keith Mathison, Iain Murray, David Powlison, Gordon Reed, Philip Ryken, and Derek Thomas. You can also enjoy the daily devotional studies that will continue this month on 1 Timothy. Open publication - Free publishing - More calvinismBuy hard copies for $3.
Signature in the Cell

3 Jul 2009 | 6:00 am

In 1991, Phillip Johnson published Darwin on Trial. In 1996, Michael Behe published Darwin's Black Box. In 1998, William Dembski published The Design Inference. While numerous other books on the subject have been published, these three books are considered landmark works in the discussion over intelligent design. Now there is a fourth. Stephen C. Meyer's new book, Signature in the Cell, may be the most persuasive case for intelligent design yet published. The timing could not be better, since 2009 is the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of On…
New Low Prices for the 2009 Pacific Northwest Cruise

2 Jul 2009 | 4:05 pm

Now available for a limited time, get a special reduced rate (a $200 savings) for inside and window staterooms on Ligonier Ministries' 2009 Pacific Northwest Cruise.On September 28-October 2, join R.C. Sproul and Michael Horton as they discuss the importance of the church. Journey from Seattle to various parts of British Columbia aboard Celebrity. You will encounter wild landscapes and explore new horizons found nowhere else on earth.Register online or call 1-877-768-2784 ext. 100. (All registrations will be handled through Sovereign Cruises.)
John Calvin Posters Now Available

2 Jul 2009 | 11:35 am

Available for a limited time, these posters of John Calvin illustrated by Kent Barton come pre-assembled in a poster tube. They are a beautiful addition to any office or workspace. Buy one today for $8.
Good Old Calvinism

2 Jul 2009 | 5:50 am

Coram Deo: Living Before the Face of God by Burk Parsons John Calvin was a churchman for all ages. He was a reformer par excellence. He was a godly pastor who equipped his people for ministry. He was a humble revolutionary. He was a loyal husband, father, and friend. But above all Calvin was a man whose mind was humbled and whose heart was mastered by the Lord God Almighty. His life's prayer -- "I offer my heart to you, O Lord, promptly and sincerely" -- was an unwavering declaration of surrender to the Lord, whom he sought to love with all of his heart, soul, mind, and strength. While many…

Cal.vini.st
Five Points of Interest (03-07-09)

Nathan W. Bingham

2 Jul 2009 | 5:38 pm

What was the secret of Calvin’s greatness and strength? Live life Coram Deo Nick Mackison begins a series on why”A Litte Cessationism is Good for the Soul” Sensus Divinitatis News is a new project which aggregates content on “Reformed theology, philosophy, culture, evangelism, and church planting” — be sure to sign-up, submit articles, and rank the content! Fred Sanders explains why he doesn’t pray for celebrities A humbling reminder to consider your words when you’re critical of a sermon you’ve just heard No related posts.Please support…
Knox on the Exercise of Family Worship

Nathan W. Bingham

1 Jul 2009 | 6:17 pm

John Knox: John Knox Dear brethren, if you look for a life to come, of necessity it is that you exercise yourselves in the book of the Lord your God. Let no day slip or want some comfort received from the mouth of God. Open your ears, and he will speak even pleasant things to your heart. Close not your eyes, but diligently let them behold what portion of substance is left to you within your Father’s testament. Let your tongues learn to praise the gracious goodness of him, whose mere mercy has called you from darkness to life. Neither yet may you do this so quietly that you admit no…
Software Review: BibleWorks 8

Nathan W. Bingham

30 Jun 2009 | 3:44 pm

Win a copy of BibleWorks 8For your chance to win a copy of BibleWorks 8 be sure to enter the Cal.vini.st First Anniversary Giveaway. Entries close July 12th, 2009. BibleWorks 8 is the latest version of the BibleWorks software package, described on their website as “the premier original languages Bible software program for Biblical exegesis and research.” From the outset I must say that their description is not a marketing ploy, but a realistic assessment of their product which is affirmed by many other users. Despite being engaged in theological study, before using BibleWorks 8…
Five Points of Interest (30-06-09)

Nathan W. Bingham

29 Jun 2009 | 3:53 pm

catechizeMe looks to be a helpful resource if you want to learn a catechism [via @eqdj] Trevin Wax has prepared a layman’s guide to understanding the debate between John Piper and N.T. Wright on justification A young boy swaps his iPod for a Walkman for a week to celebrate 30 years since the release of the Sony Walkman Before WOTM Radio, Todd Friel’s radio program critiqued Rodney Howard Browne (Video) A powerful illustration as to the prevalance of CGI in movies today; George Lucas “Now and Then” (Image) No related posts.Please support this blog by visiting the below…
Five Points of Interest (26-06-09)

Nathan W. Bingham

25 Jun 2009 | 4:32 pm

Dr. Albert Mohler comments on the Twitter phenomenon “Recommended Reading Lists” are always insightful; here is one from Pastor Miller of the OPC Desiring God have reprinted T.H.L. Parker’s classic 1954 biography of John Calvin, Portrait of Calvin; also available for free download Reports are that Michael Jackson has died at age 50. May this remind the world yet again as to the brevity of this life, and to the eternality of the life to come. Update: Justin Taylor shares his thoughts on Jackson. Last year Horton interviewed Sproul on the state of Evangelicalism today and…

Ransomed Heart Blog
A Son of Zebedee

Craig McConnell

24 Jun 2009 | 11:38 am

Jon, my son-in-law, is my wingman. A wingman is the man who is covering your tail, an extra set of eyes guarding your vulnerabilities. The mission is effectively accomplished because of the teamwork between a pilot and his wingman. I’m the pilot. Our mission is to rescue the hearts of a group of men with the beauty, power and truth of the Gospel. The plan was for Jon to fly into Denver from LA early Wednesday morning to give the two of us a full day to connect, get caught up, go over our notes and run a few errands before we leave for Toronto at 5 AM the next morning. There…
Watching People

Craig McConnell

2 Jun 2009 | 10:21 am

I’ll admit to a vivid imagination. It keeps me entertained, humors my friends, endears me to many and is the cause of sporadic troubles. I enjoy “People Watching”… you know, sitting on a park bench, in a mall or at a sidewalk café watching a parade of God’s glorious and funky creatures… kinda like bird watching except with people. So, I board my flight from LAX to DC on my way to Zurich early (to get “situated” into my assigned seat stow my carry-on stuff; arrange my water bottle, head phones, iPod, journal with a 0.5 mechanical pencil in the seat sleeve; get my gum out…
Der Suisse Question

Craig McConnell

19 May 2009 | 1:19 am

(I am in Switzerland with some friends/Swiss allies teaming together in presenting a Boot Camp. I’m hoping to post several reflections on this experience.) Throughout the Boot Camp men pulled me aside to tell me their varied stories. Each man genuine in his question, each in a horrible relationship or situation and every one of them, though bound in a shroud of unbelief, exercising some modicum of hope/faith by simply asking their question. The questions were all the same, “Is God enough?” “No, really, is God enough in THESE conditions, given THIS pain, and…
Last Tuesday

Craig McConnell

11 May 2009 | 8:55 am

So Lori tells me our daughter is bleeding. She’s 17 weeks pregnant 1276 miles away in The City of the Angels. My heart begins to swell. I call her and hear just beneath the surface of her always-joyful life giving voice the silver tongued devil’s fear. I mutter some words, give her my heart expressing my love, and enter the battle for my daughter and the baby in her womb. In the moment I hang up the phone I burst into tears. My father’s heart turns violent in storming the throne of grace so aware that I have nothing but my belief in a powerful, every-present good God.
Still in The Booth

Craig McConnell

8 May 2009 | 6:44 pm

I’m sitting in the sound booth through the second session of our Advanced Conference listening to John speak. At some point my mind wanders… I’m musing about “teaching “and God nudges me asking, When did you enjoy teaching most? Immediately it was the college level theology courses I regularly taught at my church in LA. I’m grinning ear to ear enjoying the memories of waxing eloquent on Christology, Anthropology, and Harmitology… I’d hand out my 70 page syllabus chock full of enticing insights, perspectives, implications……

John Eldredge
A Quart in my Tank

John Eldredge

25 Jun 2009 | 11:23 am

So, we try and build some margin into our “season” at Ransomed Heart. We are very aware of the danger of burn-out in ministry. It seems like the number one occupational hazard for Christians. So common it seems inevitable. But no. We set a calendar that has some margin in it, and we do our best to stick to it. But try as one may, you can never predict the inevitable crises that come our way. Or the intensity of warfare. Or the myriad of other draining things that show up unexpectedly. It has been a brutal year. I arrived at June spent beyond all reason. Running on fumes. Thank…
Old Friends

John Eldredge

15 May 2009 | 12:32 pm

I was looking for some reading the other day to feed my soul, to supplement my time in the Scriptures. Browsing the bookshelves in my office, I sort of picked up one book then another, opened it, read a little, and set it back down. Nope, that’s not what God has for me. I can’t altogether say why I knew. Partly because it fell flat; partly because I wasn’t interested. But over time you recognize that gentle prompting of the Holy Spirit. Here, this is what I am saying. I found myself moved to grab two books: No Little People (a collection of sermons by Francis Schaeffer)…
Quite a Beginning

John Eldredge

16 Apr 2009 | 9:18 pm

So, we take to the road tomorrow for the Fathered by God tour. Really excited to be heading out. Except, a blizzard is descending on Colorado, so we are scrambling to get to Denver tonight, in hopes of still catching our (re-scheduled) flight to Atlanta in the morning. Provided they don’t shut the airport down. I thought driving up tonight would be safer. Except, the storm has hit and it is hailing really hard right now. Then the washer broke down with the two pairs of pants I was going to wear in it. Tried rinsing them off in the shower. While working on my talks this afternoon my…
Air Travel and Sanctification

John Eldredge

6 Apr 2009 | 10:56 am

Stasi and I were flying back from New York’s La Guardia airport last Friday, scheduled for a 10:30am departure. Foul weather grounds our plane, due in from Washington Dulles. First an hour goes by, then two. Okay, we can handle a delay. But at four hours we begin to grow weary. It’s such a roller coaster when hopes are raised every time they announce the plane will be here at such-and-such a time, but then that times goes by and they push it out another hour. At five hours a rainstorm hits New York, and it’s coming down so hard the roof of the old terminal begins to leak.
Time Out

John Eldredge

27 Mar 2009 | 11:40 am

It’s been Spring Break for my boys this week, and our family has been trying to catch our breath and just take it easy. Get some r & r. Watch some basketball, eat out, sleep in, goof around. It hasn’t gone so well. The city decided this was the week to do major digging outside our house. Starting at 7am each day. The weather has been lousy. While there has been some rest this week, there’s also been a lot of disappointment. And a ton of warfare. Our plans haven’t gone the way we wanted. And I’ve noticed something crucial about the way I see the world.

A Heart After Children
Summer Ministries

Brittany Sky

8 Jun 2009 | 3:35 pm

I have been so busy kicking off the summer! We're having field trips, day camps, movie days, and so much more! What exciting things does your church do over the summer break? Any new ideas for ministry?
Garden Camp Day Three

Brittany Sky

17 May 2009 | 3:12 pm

Schedule for the third day: Water Psalms 104: 10 God made springs and riversOpening 10 min Water is necessary for life. Water is used for many things. Bubbles are made of water and air. Water is a part of God’s creation.Art Tent 20 mCollage of rain, water and cloudsResources: blue construction paper, aluminum foil, cotton balls, scraps of paper, yarn, scissors, and glue.Set out paper and collage materials. Let the children create a collage of rain, water and clouds. Game 20 mBubblesResources: dishwashing liquid, tablespoon, plastic cups, ¼ cup measuring cup, plastic cups, plastic spoons,…
Garden Camp Day Two

Brittany Sky

13 May 2009 | 12:01 pm

Schedule for the second day: Sky Proverbs 3:19 The Lord set the sky in place.Opening 10 minGod created the sky. There are many different parts of the sky. The clouds in the sky can be different shapes, sizes and colors.Art Tent 20 mTake blue construction paper and drop white paint on it. Fold it in half and unfold it to see what your sky looks like and make wind ribbons.Supplies: plastic spoons or eyedroppers, blue construction paper, white washable tempera paint, smocks and a table coveringCover the table and have the children wear smocks. Gove each child a piece of blue construction paper…
Garden Camp Day One

Brittany Sky

11 May 2009 | 6:23 am

I planned a preschool day camp last summer that went really well. As you are trying to get your summer activities planned consider doing something like this. It's fun, and it teaches our young children about the earth our Creator has created, and is creating.Schedule for the first day: Earth Genesis 1:10 God called the dry land Earth.Opening 10 min: God created the Earth. God wants every person to help take care of the earth. The earth has many different parts.Art Tent 20 m: Make worms out of yarn on paper with glue.Supplies: yarn, paper, glue, scissors, markers and crayons. Help the children…
People in God’s World: Big Kids

Brittany Sky

23 Apr 2009 | 8:54 am

“And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival.” Luke 2:42Call to Worship(Sung to “The Bear Went over the Mountain”)Let’s worship God, let’s worship God, let’s worship God, With joyful hearts, with joyful hearts, with joyful hearts, Let’s worship God with joyful hearts!Joys and ConcernsHave the children share a few joys and concerns they have and follow with a prayer thanking God for our joys and asking God to be with us in our concerns. SharingAsk: What do you look forward to doing when you are a bigger kid? (Playing baseball, being a ballerina,…

Geoffrey Janes
Peru - Initial Thoughts

1 Jul 2009 | 8:06 am

Well we're back. It feels good to be home again. The trip to Peru went way too fast, yet I was so glad to be back in the arms of my family again. I have tons of stories to tell. I hope I can find the time to share many of them here. For now, here are some of my thoughts.We worked with a group of godly men, Pushpi, Tim, Anchi and Ade. Yaepo is another member of their team, but he was not able to travel with us. These men worked closely with Wycliff to translate the New Testament into Quechuan. They are now working on the Old Testament, which is about 50% complete. Our task was to hike with…
Greetings From Lima!

28 Jun 2009 | 6:18 am

Well, it's our last day in Peru. Our flight leaves tonight at 1130pm. I am so excited to return to the US and give my wife and kids some big hugs.This has been a tremendous experience for the entire team. I have so many stories to tell. I plan to share many of them here in the coming weeks.Thank you all for your prayers. God has done some amazing things.Today we are going to church at Flamingo Road church, a multisite campus here in Lima. The original comapus is in Florida.This afternoon we are going souvenir shopping. Then off to the airport for our overnight flight homw.See you all very…
Quick Update from Peru!

23 Jun 2009 | 6:57 am

Hello everyone! I am excited to take this chance to post a quick update. We have internet access at our hotel in Huaraz. It's been an adventure just trying to check email!The las several days have gone really well. The team is getting along great. We are learning a lot about the culture. We are tasting local food (yesterday we ate Guinea Pig...yum yum!)We've spent our time here so far acclimating. Huaraz is at 10,500 ft above sea level. It takes your breath away...literally! Sunday we visited an orphanage here in town. We had so much fun playing with the kids...they kept making us get up and…
Ready to go...

18 Jun 2009 | 8:16 pm

I am all packed. I hope I didn't forget anything important! I had a brief moment of freaking out...I couldn't find my passport! We found it, hidden in my backpack...whew!Our team is meeting at the airport tomorrow morning at 10. We'll check-in and head to Miami, then to Lima. We are scheduled to arrive in Lima, Peru at 11pm.I am so excited. It's been hard to concentrate on work this week. I can't wait to get going. I am really looking forward to this.While on our trip, you can follow my travels. I will turn on My Spot (satellite tracking device) and you will be able to see where we are along…
Peru Update

11 Jun 2009 | 4:18 pm

In 1 week and 1 day I will be boarding a plane headed for South America. My missions team will spend 10 days in the Andes Mountains in central Peru ministering to the Quechuan people. We have the honor of distributing Bibles which have recently been translated into their language. What a joy it will be to hand someone a Bible, in their own language, for the first time! That is something we all take granted.As the day to depart approaches, I'd like to ask you to join me in prayer. This is an exciting trip, but also holds many unknowns. We would love to have your prayer support. Here are some…

Good News Magazine
GN Video Commentary: Freedom Fourth

3 Jul 2009 | 4:36 am

As America celebrates the Fourth of July this year, it is good to recall the divine reasons for the emergence of America from the mists of history.
GN Video Commentary: Let Liberty Ring

2 Jul 2009 | 11:54 am

Did you know that the Bible has a lot to say about the subject of freedom and liberty?
Commentary: America's Declaration of Dependence on Divine Providence

2 Jul 2009 | 11:53 am

Do we still perceive the need for God's guidance and blessings?
Archived Article: How Do We Know That We Love God?

1 Jul 2009 | 1:20 pm

The Bible states over and over again exactly how we are to demonstrate our love to God. The simple answer may surprise you!
Bible FAQ: What is repentance?

30 Jun 2009 | 11:27 am

Why does the Bible say we should repent before being baptized?

Kitchen of Half-Baked Thoughts
B&B Friday: A Serious Blog

Tim Archer

3 Jul 2009 | 4:00 am

Fridays are for books and blogs. Today’s blog is a little different. It’s existed for less than a week and probably won’t exist very long. But I hope you’ll take a look. It’s the Cochabamba Youth Group blog. I wish this blog had come into being under happier circumstances. As is, it was created after a tragedy, when a bus carrying members of the youth group from the church of Christ in Cochabamba, Bolivia, plummeted off the side of a mountain. Three young girls were killed, and a number of others were injured. The website gives information about the accident, the…
The need to read multiple translations of the Bible

Tim Archer

2 Jul 2009 | 4:00 am

I’ve made some changes in my approach to Bible translations. As I spend a lot of time trying to share the Bible with new Christians and non-Christians, I’ve come to value readability in a text. A book I read pointed out that the New Testament was written in Koine Greek, the Greek of the street, not Classical Greek, the language of the scholars. It was written to be understood by the common man. The Bible versions that we use need to understandable as well. I will admit, though, that I don’t care for versions that do a lot of interpretation instead of translation. Obviously,…
Choosing a translation: better Greek manuscripts

Tim Archer

1 Jul 2009 | 4:00 am

In the last post, I discussed one of the reasons I prefer one of the modern versions of the Bible: the archeological discoveries that have shed further light on the meaning of certain terms and passages. Another important reason for using the newer versions are the manuscripts that have been discovered in the last few centuries. Fragments have been found from just a few decades after the original writing. Many manuscripts have been found that have helped us improve our understanding of what the text said before copies were made. In the 16th and 17th century, when the first translations were…
Translation and Playing Charades

Tim Archer

30 Jun 2009 | 4:00 am

I do a lot of translation. Most Sundays, I preach a bilingual sermon, translating myself. I do radio programs in Spanish during the week; most of my study materials are in English. I’ve done simultaneous interpretation, where I’m translating for a speaker that is neither hearing me nor pausing to allow me to translate. Much of what I know comes from those sorts of experiences. I’ve come to see that translation is not an exact science. Just now, I was reading a story about this Argentine woman that the governor of South Carolina had an affair with. The story referred to a…
Dynamic equivalence and the translation of the Bible

Tim Archer

29 Jun 2009 | 4:00 am

As we discuss Bible translation, we really ought to stop a minute and pay our respects to the concept of “dynamic equivalence.” The concept of dynamic equivalence was developed by linguist Eugene Nida. It describes the attempt to translate (specifically the Bible) via “thought by thought” rather than “word by word” translation. While Nida gave name to the concept and was largely responsible for popularizing it, dynamic equivalence did not begin with Nida. Translations as old as the Septuagint (translation of the Old Testament into Greek that was done before…

Godvertiser.com
Church Artifact #254: The Church Bulletin

Kenny

3 Jul 2009 | 4:21 am

What’s in your church bulletin? Is the church program chock-filled with announcements, calendars and messages that are specific to that week? If you are in a corporate sized church with 1,000+ attendees every week, are you still printing customized bulletins just like in the “old days” when you had just a few dozen or few hundred people coming to your worship services? Or have you realized that producing and collating/assembling thousands of bulletins each week is a chore? This is a common reason to moving toward a generic church bulletin. Now, the bulletin is aimed at new…
What I Mean, When I Say “Christ-Centered”

Kenny

1 Jul 2009 | 7:20 pm

“Christ-Centered” is one of the most casually used buzzwords in the Christian “industry” — we toss it around because it makes us seem so pious. so mature. so right. The truth is it is over-used because it is so safe. If you pause to consider the implications, it becomes dangerous, atomic, even nuclear. What do I mean by this? Read this text below if you want to know what I mean when I say “Christ-Centered” . . . after understanding what is laid out in plain old English, you may not be so flippant ever again in using the phrase going forward. . . A…
No Comment.

Kenny

25 Jun 2009 | 8:55 am

Inspired by a fellow member of the church digerati, John Saddington, here’s one for you Godvertisers out there. I’ll reserve comment. It’s YOUR TURN. . . Comment on anything that this brings to mind. Let those creative thoughts go free. . .
The Church Tech Mashup Shakes Out 7 Picks

Kenny

22 Jun 2009 | 6:51 pm

Speaking of faith-related mashups, Sim Young reminded me today that there are already many voices in the church + tech + web conversation today. It’s evolving so fast, it feels like dog years! The Church is achangin’ . . . Take notice! Here’s 7 church tech blogs you should check out (via digital.leadnet.org) ChurchCrunch - exploring the intersection of technology and the church Church Tech Matters - a site for tech volunteers BetaChurch -design and technology for the church’s mission Church Technology Review -church meets Internet, websites, technology and web 2.0…
The Science-Faith Mashup

Kenny

18 Jun 2009 | 11:20 am

When the head of the Human Genone Project, Dr. Francis Collins, starts talking about the possibilities of God, faith and science to all be held up together, it kind of catches your attention. This is the guy who is breaking the DNA code of life after all. Imagine finally understanding the most fundamental building blocks of human existence in science… But different than the norm of pitting Science *against* Faith, or vice versa, this guy speaks of why they are compatible — and why he personally believes in God, despite, and because of what he does for a living has shown him.

Going to Seminary
Realizing Seminary’s Not for You

Paul Burkhart

2 Jul 2009 | 1:43 am

I think it’s time for me to start the site NotGoingToSeminary.com. It’s almost been five whole months since my last article was posted on this site.Much has happened. As I recently revealed in a recent post on my personal site, I’m not going back to Westminster Theological Seminary next year. I’m a young man.At the time of this writing I am a week or so past my 23rd half-birthday.I have spent every year of my life in school since I was 4.I’ve never had a job with a consistent income.I’ve never made more than $13,000 in a given year.I’m a very, very young man. I still remember…
Bookstores on Twitter

Jake Belder

1 Jul 2009 | 1:35 am

I work at the bookstore at the Orlando campus of Reformed Theological Seminary, and we’ve been slowly experimenting with using Twitter as a way to send out notices about promotions and sales. We’re slowly building up our number of followers, and we’ve started to garner some business with it. Aside from RTS and Westminster Bookstore, I’ve had trouble finding any other stores that actively use Twitter. A whole bunch of publishers have started using it, like Zondervan and IVP. But if you know of any seminary bookstores that do, please leave a comment with a link. …
Summer Plans – Two Cent Tuesday

W. Ryan Burns

30 Jun 2009 | 1:56 am

Tomorrow is July 1st and summer is in full swing. Now, summer means different things for each of us so I thought it would be fun to see what everyone has planned. I’ve put a few items in the poll already, but feel free to add your own answer and drop a comment below. What are your plans this summer? Take Classes Rest and Relax Read, Read, Read... Visit Family Work Finish 53 More Book Reviews All of the Above Add an Answer View Results
One Month. Disappointment: The Results of Idolatry.

W. Ryan Burns

29 Jun 2009 | 3:53 am

This is a guest post written by Monica Marusek. Monica recently began her seminary studies at Gordon-Conwell. You can read more of Monica’s writing at Reform and Revive. Seminary has not been my only idol the past year… as I stood beside a fellow seminarian at the Andrew Bird concert in Boston I thought about how dissatisfied I was at my life, overall. While studying for Hebrew on Tuesday Beth asked me, “so do you feel like God has affirmed you being here?” There might be a lack of discernment in my response… but I’d say, at this point the scholarship has been the thing that…
Ministry in a Rural Context

Jake Belder

26 Jun 2009 | 1:33 am

There is a book at the RTS Orlando Bookstore called Rural Evangelism: Catching the Vision. I haven’t read it yet, though I want to. The author’s intention is basically to help rural congregations avoid stagnation and decline by engaging in evangelism methods tailored to the rural context they find themselves in. Christians in rural settings have some unique challenges that Christians in urban settings might not face. For example, most churches in rural areas belong to mainline denominations and are aging and dying (literally and spiritually). It is very difficult to find a…

Live A Revolution... Every Day
The New "See and Say" - The Gift That Keeps On Giving

Todd Ruth

2 Jul 2009 | 7:52 am

As I look over my 33 years of life, one of the greatest gifts that many people gave to me at different stages of my life can be found in Romans 4v17. Check this out: "...the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were." This is one of my favorite passages that describes God. How freaking awesome is that! I love that description of God. To call things that are not as though they were... That's powerful. To help someone see who they can become, to help someone see what they can do, to cast vision into someone's being - that's catalytic. I know from…
If the Shoe Fits

Todd Ruth

30 Jun 2009 | 1:45 pm

Below is a photo of my little girl's feet in her mommy's shoes. She can walk in them ok... especially for a two year old. But she still stumbles and falls, cause they just don't fit. When she wears her own shoes, she's on. Cause she's found her fit. Sure she'll still stumble here and there, but not in the same way. One of my goals in working with students is to help them find what fits. To help them find what they're gifted in and run with it. It's one of the things that makes my heart race fast. And it's something that we're starting to focus on more at Revolve. That's actually a challenge…
The $500 Lesson - Ouch!

Todd Ruth

29 Jun 2009 | 10:29 am

So... Last night, at Revolve, my Xbox 360 was ripped off. Locked the doors, thought we had a good head count. But one dude was able to slip away and took off with the console, three games and two controllers. What is that, about $500 bones worth of stuff. And to top it off, it's "my" stuff that we used for ministry purposes. Not gonna lie, I was pissed... on the inside... and prolly a little on the outside as well. Still am. And, I'm sad to say, I even prayed at one point that my Xbox would get the Red Ring of Death as he was playing UFC. And what sucks even more, we were teaching James…
What Every Student Needs

Todd Ruth

16 Jun 2009 | 1:26 pm

I was recently talking with Matt and I posed this question: What do you think students NEED from their leaders (you could also insert parents as well)?It's not a question that holds one answer. Each person you ask could quite possibly give you a different response. But, it's one of the most important questions to keep at the top of our minds.And while I have a list of my own answers, this one is probably at the top...ConsistencyI believe students need their leaders (and parents) to demonstrate a high level of consistency.* Consistency in holding them accountable.* Consistency in our walk…
I'm A Little Fruity

Todd Ruth

15 Jun 2009 | 11:58 am

"No wonder the Scriptures say, "The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you." Romans 2v24Over the weekend I was going to dive into a container of strawberrys. As I looked closely, I noticed a couple that had fungus on them. They looked healthy on one side, but on then other lay death and decay. So what did I do? I got rid of them. Because here's the thing about decaying fruit, if left alone, that fruit will begin to infect and destroy a considerable amount of the remaining healthy fruit.Romans 2v24 reminded me of that this afternoon. Back in verse 17, it says, "You who call…

Food for the Body, Mind & Soul
God's Baby

Whol-E-Herbster

2 Jul 2009 | 11:28 am

God blessed us with a little miracle at the beginning of April 2009. I remember feeling a little "BLAH" that day, feeling sick to my stomach, with everything else out of sorts. It disappeared after a few days, so I just attributed it to some new juice I had tried?? LATER ON, I would find out that it was a baby that we would never know while it was alive. At 10 weeks, when we discovered that I was expecting a baby, the baby had already passed away a few days prior, thus setting off "symptoms". It broke my heart to find out, but I know God has a reason for everything, and trusted that LIFE…
A Little Secret I've Been Keeping From Some of You

Whol-E-Herbster

23 Jun 2009 | 8:38 pm

I must apologize to everyone for not being up front with you on the reason my BLOGS have slowed down a bit. I just often forget that I have readers in the BLOGGER realm who are outside my Twitter, Facebook and E-mailing networks. I have kept the rest of them informed, but have overlooked my fellow BLOGGERS, so I apologize!Since I'm not big on announcements, I'll make this into a prayer request. The reason I haven't been blogging as much is because my husband, Jesse, and I are expecting our 4th child, and would love to have you all uphold us in your prayers! I have been quite nauseated in the…
NEW MOVIE "FOOD, INC"

Whol-E-Herbster

16 Jun 2009 | 11:09 am

PLEASE BE SURE TO PAUSE THE MUSIC PLAYER (BELOW AND TO THE RIGHT) TO HEAR THE VIDEO!CURRENTLY HITTING THEATERS, the Full-length movie FOOD,INCIf you haven't educated yourself on the ins and outs of the Multi-Million Dollar Food Industry and the secrets it's hiding from consumers, now is the time! I found the above trailer for the Movie FOOD,INC at: http://tinyurl.com/m39nlk Dr. Ron Spallone utilizes Twitter, Facebook, Blogger to pass on health & wellness information daily to his followers. He had such a wonderful write-up on the above movie trailer, I wanted to include it in my BLOG…
IMPROVEMENTS:

Whol-E-Herbster

9 Jun 2009 | 7:54 am

Here are a few of the changes I have noticed over the past 2 years in changing over to an all natural diet:FRECKLES FADING and disappearing--MOST freckles are caused by over-taxed kidneys. Eating SEEDED watermelon and ESPECIALLY the black watermelon SEEDS on a regular basis, support and strengthen kidney functioning. (NOT to be confused with seedless watermelon, which is genetically altered, so that the body cannot identify it as food, and it actually harms the kidneys). Otherwise, here's a good herb-mixed support for kidneys: KIDNEY ACTIVATOR ATC CONCENTRATE, I take this when my lower…
A Cancer Movie not to Miss......

Whol-E-Herbster

28 May 2009 | 11:39 am

PLEASE BE SURE TO PAUSE THE MUSIC PLAYER (BELOW AND TO THE RIGHT) TO HEAR THE VIDEO!This is the trailer for the 2 hour long movie, "HEALING CANCER FROM THE INSIDE OUT"I started watching the movie, and decided to re-start it after 10 minutes in. It had waaay too good of information not to share with you. In fact, I got 6 1/2 pages of notes off of it...that I'm not going to share in it's entirety, because I DO want to have you watch the full 2 hour movie for yourselves! Our 5 year old daughter watched about half of it, repeating quotes to help me get all the info--if it can keep her attention,…

orange county pastor
Santa Ana, California

2 Jul 2009 | 11:28 pm

I live, work and serve in the City of Santa Ana.I love this City.My City has lots of problems though.Poverty, Gangs, Immigration issues, Anger, Crime, Graffiti, Rich Parts, Poor Parts, Divorces, Racial Tension, Education, Forclosures, Greed, Lust, Overcrowding just to name a few.My city is like a lot of cities, sin and the effects of sin can easily be noticed.There is hope for my city.Because the sin of the city can in many ways be so easily noticed,the people of God of the city can see what needs to be prayed for, responded to, addressed and brought into the light of Jesus Christ. There are…
Why Didn't I Think of This

2 Jul 2009 | 11:19 pm

Another sign that we who live in Orange County are lazy yet trendy, Sprinkles Cupcakes just unveiled its new Mobile Cupcake Vehicle that will show up at your next Orange County event.
Free Audio Book from Francis Chan

1 Jul 2009 | 4:16 pm

My twitter buddy, college baseball teammate (best curveball I have ever seen) and current North Carolina Church Planter, Jeremy Copeland, let me know you can go to Christian Audio Book.com and dowload the audio version of Francis Chan's book, "Crazy Love" for free!Perfect timing for your summer road trips. (Just make sure you put in the coupon code: Jul09)
The Excitement of Sundays

29 Jun 2009 | 8:24 am

I love breakfast.I love morning coffee.I love sleep.On Sunday mornings I rarely have an abundance of any of these things as I madly dash around Church working behind the scenes and occasionally up front to create a worship experience for our Church family at Calvary.And you know what?I would gladly give up sleep, coffee and breakfast to see what I saw yesterday at Calvary.People hearing from God's word, responding in worship to who God is and signing up in droves for two of our July community outreach projects (food ministry and fair ministry) which are aimed at showing our neighbors the love…
Hold on to your purses and wallets!

29 Jun 2009 | 8:06 am

I was at a family wedding on Saturday Night and we were joking because one of the German relatives took her purse with her to the buffet line at the reception. We were laughing saying, German Grandmothers take their purses everywhere!Maybe she was onto to something.A lady in New York had her purse stolen yesterday during communion at Church!Check out the newspaper article.(found from Drudge Report)

The Blogging Muse
Go in through the narrow gate

30 Jun 2009 | 12:36 pm

In Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus tells us; “Go in through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many there are who go in through it. Because narrow is the gate and constricted is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” But yet so many pastors and church’s are preaching the gospel of the Wide Road, they are teaching that all one has to do is make an intellectual decision, that is agree with the fact that Jesus is Lord, and you are saved. Then live however you want, believe whatever you want about who Jesus is, who God is.
choose this day whom you will serve

29 Jun 2009 | 1:07 pm

And if it seems evil to you to serve Jehovah, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served Beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you live. But as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah. Joshua 24:15 I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life . (Deuteronomy 30:19b-20a) Two times God ask His people to choose, and He is still asking this today…
if we suffer with Him, we may also be glorified together

27 Jun 2009 | 8:23 pm

The bible is not a collection of stories about people and their lives that say "And they lived happily every after". Stories about people who lived rich and happy lives. No where do you find lives that prove the life taught by people like Osteen, that it is every follower of Christ destiny to live a happy and rich life, get every material desire of you heart. Live comfortable rich and happy lives, getting everything you want if you just have faith. Instead it is a book filled with stories of tragedy, hardship, sacrifice and suffering, even unto violent death for the people of God.
Proverb For the Week

25 Jun 2009 | 5:26 am

Here’s the proverb for the week. Read it. Memorize it. Live it. He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. (Proverbs 28:19)
Things Every Christian Should Do, Make Disciples.

22 Jun 2009 | 8:10 am

All followers of Christ are called to make disciples, not simply believers like so many churches do, Jesus addressed that issue when He stated "Even the demons believe–and shudder!." You see believing who Jesus is has never really been the issue, Satan himself believe who Jesus is, in fact he knows for certain who Jesus is. The Issue has always been following, obeying, that is making Him Lord of you life. And that is where we come in, our call, mission given to us in Mat 28:19 "Go therefore and Make disciples of All the nations." Our job is not to make believers out…

A Better Woman
Life Gets Better Each Day

A Better Woman

8 Jun 2009 | 8:16 pm

I do believe that our lives get better each day. I know that sounds a little ironic from someone who got sacked from her job a few weeks ago. But really, when we look at things from a different perspective – from a Godly perspective – we’ll soon realize that we’ll have it no other way but the way God meant everything to be. So when I lost my job, I cried. I got depressed. I told God that I hurt inside. I complained and whined that I didn’t deserve to be sacked. After a while, God allowed me to heal. Then I felt sorry that I doubted God’s plans for me. Then…
Inspiring Philosophies in Life

A Better Woman

28 May 2009 | 2:29 am

Here is a slide I would like to share for today. I hope that these thoughts will inspire you, lift you up, and put some things into perspective. ©2009 A Better Woman. All Rights Reserved..
I Wish You Enough

A Better Woman

24 May 2009 | 11:29 pm

I came across this anecdote among the many forwarded messages to my email. This is a very poignant story and I would like to share it with you. Recently I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure. Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the father said, “I love you, and I wish you enough.” The daughter replied, “Dad, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Dad.” They kissed and the daughter left. The father walked over to the…
God Wants Us to Prosper

A Better Woman

21 May 2009 | 7:21 pm

Who doesn’t want a house like this? It is no secret that I recently lost my job. I’m being transparent about my current situation and how bad I feel about it. I’m nowhere near depressed, because God is faithful to His Word, he cheers me up and lifts up my soul. I am pretty sure that losing a job is not just a blow to one’s pockets and savings account. Losing a job is also a blow to someone’s ego. In the first two days of being unemployed I somehow felt as if I wasn’t doing well enough with my job. Even though the company has good reasons to downsize, being…

Trinity Presbyterian Church Podcast
I Alone Am Not Able to Bear You

Pastor Reid Hankins

28 Jun 2009 | 6:36 pm

As a Presbyterian church we obviously have a Presbyterian form of church government, namely, rule by elders at various levels. Often we think about that being formed exclusively in the New Testament. However, passages like this remind us that even in the Old Testament, God’s people had elders of the people ruling and judging the people. As we look at this passage, we’ll see God’s ongoing concern for justice under both the old and new covenants, and how that concern comes to a climax in Jesus Christ. Sermon preached on Deuteronomy 1:9-18 by Rev. W. Reid Hankins during…
Westminster Shorter Catechism 101

Pastor Reid Hankins

28 Jun 2009 | 6:33 pm

Adult Sunday School on Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 101 by Rev. W. Reid Hankins at Trinity Presbyterian Church (OPC) on 06/28/2009 in Novato, CA.
Eleven Days’ Journey

Pastor Reid Hankins

21 Jun 2009 | 9:56 pm

Join us as we begin a journey through the book of Deuteronomy and the history of God’s people from Mount Horeb into the Promised Land. Sermon preached on Deuteronomy 1:1-8 by Rev. W. Reid Hankins during the Morning Service at Trinity Presbyterian Church (OPC) on 06/21/2009 in Novato, CA. Manuscript: Eleven Day’s Journey
Westminster Shorter Catechism 100

Pastor Reid Hankins

21 Jun 2009 | 9:55 pm

Adult Sunday School on Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 100 by Rev. W. Reid Hankins at Trinity Presbyterian Church (OPC) on 06/21/2009 in Novato, CA.
How To Pray For Your Pastor

Pastor Reid Hankins

14 Jun 2009 | 8:29 pm

Sermon preached on Ephesians 6:10-28 by Rev. Richard C. Miller during the Morning Service at Trinity Presbyterian Church (OPC) on 06/14/2009 in Novato, CA. Manuscript not available.

Vision Baptist
Tolson Prayer letter!

gardner@bcwe.org

3 Jul 2009 | 1:27 pm

Dear Pastors, Partners, & Praying Friends, We finished a great month with directing and serving at the Our Generation Student Leadership Camp being one of the highlights. It was an exciting week where we were able to challenge students to be willing to give their lives to take the Gospel to the world. One of our goals was to show these students the world from Atlanta, GA, so throughout the camp, we visited a Greek Orthodox Church, Mormon Temple, Buddhist Temple, 2 Hindu Temples, and a Muslim Mosque. We also had an outreach activity during the week in an apartment complex that was filled…
Guilty

gardner@bcwe.org

3 Jul 2009 | 6:39 am

Matthew 25:24-25 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. I have been like this man in more ways than one and I think you might have had the problem also. How many times have we felt that God was unfair with us. He hasn’t blessed me like He blessed the other person. He didn’t gift me like He did the other person. Instead of using my one talent to the best…
Growing cold!

gardner@bcwe.org

2 Jul 2009 | 4:39 am

Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. She just needs some “me time!” He knows lots of Bible but is just tired of church! They used to be very faithful Christians and never missed church services. They used to be believers. They are not interested any more! This church isn’t their style. They want more music and less Bible preaching! We have all heard it all! You know as well as I do that many people who say they are Christians have grown cold. They “used to” do lots of things. They say that the church is old and that it…
Missionary preparation

gardner@bcwe.org

1 Jul 2009 | 8:50 am

“Missionary training is as much about character as it is about content.” “No matter where you go or what you do as a missionary you will need training in order to survive and to serve well.” “Specific training should be sought to meet specific ministry goals.” “Seek equipping/training that will shape you in three major areas: character, skills, and knowledge. The classroom is a good place to start but it won’t cover everything.” It is highly suggested that you get a mentor or a spiritual and professional advisor in the area of life that you…
Last half

gardner@bcwe.org

1 Jul 2009 | 7:56 am

2009 is officially half way over today. How are you doing on your goals for 2009? How are you doing on your Bible reading plan? So far this year are you on schedule in your plan for giving to and supporting the work of God? How are you doing on your personal plan of managing the resources that God has put in your hands? What have you done this year to strengthen your relationship with your spouse? Your children? What have you done this year to grow spiritually? What have you done to get the gospel to others? Life is short! It is flying by! If we are not careful we will wake up and find out…

Pilgrimage of the Heart
Jars of Clay: If I Had Two Hands

2 Jul 2009 | 5:00 pm

Living in Nashville over the past few years, my respect has grown for the Christian and country music scene here and particularly for a few bands who have merited it. One of those is Jars of Clay. In addition to sitting behind front man Dan and his kids at the movie theater, I've been exposed to this band's heart. I've learned to really appreciate Jars and their passion for justice, particularly in the continent of Africa. I don't know what initially prompted it, but after years of singing about Jesus, they realized that if the Gospel in which they were believing didn't offer good news…
Why'd You Say Hallelujah?

1 Jul 2009 | 5:00 pm

I grew up in a church that never said "hallelujah" or "amen." They were good Presbyterians who kept their religious fervor to themselves. However, when I got to college, I'd often hear people in church or chapel shout out with joy in response to what the preacher was saying. People would nod, sometimes clap, or exclaim, "Praise God!" I had no idea that this was considered charismatic or anything like that. I just thought that it was cool... and honestly, kind of fun. When I went back to my home church, I'd sometimes shout out an "Amen" or "Hallelujah" in the middle of the service just…
My Take on Crazy Love by Francis Chan

30 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

I first was introduced to Francis Chan at the Youth Specialties Conference in Nashville, TN in 2008. In front of thousands of youth leaders, he spoke about how he read the Bible and was disturbed by the things in it, because they didn't match up with what he saw in most American churches. He said that something was wrong with Christianity in America, and that merely "checking out" was not an option. He talked about how the people in his church were committed to one another and to counter-culturally following Jesus. He inspired me. At the suggestion of my friend Joe, I read Chan's first…
Cultural Relevance, Sucky gods, and Hijacked Communities

29 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Having just got back from a long weekend in Illinois, I haven't had much time to write, but I have been busy publishing some articles lately, and I wanted to share those with you. Below are some pieces that I've worked on over the past month or so, along with an excerpt, and link to read the rest of it (just click the title for the full article). Enjoy: Christian Post - "Is the Gospel of Jesus Still Relevant?" Excerpt: Let's be honest -- the gospel of Jesus is offensive. It tells the most religious that even on their best days, they're just whitewashed tombs full of dead men's bones.
Jon and Kate Getting a Divorce?

28 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

This is probably old news by now, but I've been wanting to post this for a week now. I just saw this in People: "Gosselin Divorce Papers Filed." This really disappoints me. Chalk up another marriage/family torn apart by the pressures of fame. To add insult to injury, this family was supposedly a Christian family (they even published their book Multiple Blessings with Christian publisher Zondervan). The article about Jon and Kate splitting says: After months of speculation, the 10-year marriage of Jon & Kate Plus Eight's stars Kate and Jon Gosselin appears to be coming to an end, a…

LifeVesting
Are You Smarter than a Fifth-Grade Leader?

Andy Wood

30 Jun 2009 | 11:48 pm

“What are you teaching them about?” my daughter asked – referring to our upcoming pastors and leaders training in Thailand. “Leadership,” I said. “Well, can I ask you something? Is there a way – I’m not sure how to say this – is there a way to ‘dumb down’ leadership training?” My pause meant, “Keep going.” “I have to train these fifth-and-sixth-grade leaders every day at FROG camp for about 30 minutes on being a leader, and I was wondering how I could explain biblical leadership on their level.” I did a random brainstorm with her. Talked about David and…
The Stain

Andy Wood

28 Jun 2009 | 11:39 pm

For Sale: Parachute. Only used once, never opened, small stain. You and I were created in a stainless image. Our first parents appeared on the outside as what they were on the inside - innocent in the likeness of their Creator. Then came the Stain. Soiled and discolored, we instinctively knew something was wrong. We tried soaking it out and scrubbing it out. But the Stain never went away. Like silver is discolored simply by exposure to the air, we were forever tarnished by the choices we made, and those made upon us: Passion stains. Anger stains. Gluttony stains. Pride stains. …
Chick-fil-A

Andy Wood

25 Jun 2009 | 11:03 pm

Our buddy Tim Hawkins is back with a new DVD, “I’m No Rockstar” - a 90-minute combination of stand-up, acoustic guitar comedy, and “rock star moments.” You can order it, along with his other awesome stuff, here. Meanwhile, here’s a hilarious tribute to the place where cows encourage you to “Eat Mor Chikin.” If You Enjoyed This, You May Also Like the Following: 10 Sure-fire Bestsellers I Would Love to Write Bobo Brown and the “ART” of Politics Smells Like Birthday Cake Loving God with All Your Might(s) Cletus Take the Reel…
Coming Back to the Heart of Worship

Andy Wood

25 Jun 2009 | 12:17 am

“The time is coming and is already here when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for anyone who will worship him that way” (John 4:23) For centuries Christians have broken fellowship and broken God’s heart in the name of worship. We have argued over form, anguished over the opinions of others, and attacked those who looked or acted differently. Meanwhile in Heaven, the search goes on… When you can sit at the feet of Jesus and rivet your attention to him, even when life is incredibly distracting around you……
Hanukkah Hams Goes to College

Andy Wood

23 Jun 2009 | 1:04 am

Okay, you students of all things gloriously stupid! Time for another round of Hanukkah Hams. In case you’ve missed previous episodes, a Hanukkah Ham is a reminder of what can happen when unlicensed people are left free to drive an imagination without supervision. What better place to discover colossal displays of “what-were-you-thinking” than in the hallowed halls of academia? I once had a college professor that said, “College is the only place where people don’t want to get their money’s worth.” See if these true stories, drawn from the actual…

Shawn's Blog Spot
Synergy.

ShawnWood

3 Jul 2009 | 8:37 am

The month of July is dedicated to posts about innovation and ideation. Every post will be about a word that can either help or hinder the innovative process. We will look at both the pros and the cons of that word. Today’s word is… Synergy. The question is, do you choose lots of idea and stories or is it best to rally around one common theme. Every organization has to find it’s synergy points. Many times as an organization of 13 campuses (and for you it may be 13 departments) we have to decide between localization (which is often the best practice) or synergy. Here are…
Be Great.

ShawnWood

25 Jun 2009 | 7:27 pm

With all of this talk about being “good enough,” one may get the impression that I am for mediocrity. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, I believe the “good enough” principle allows us to be good enough at most things so that we can be absolutely great at just a few things. Over the course of writing posts on this subject I have really been trying to examine where I land right now in my life, and I’ve been asking myself a series of questions that may be a helpful tool for you. 1. What three areas of my life can I really be great at, and in…
Has Seth Godin contridicted himself?

ShawnWood

24 Jun 2009 | 5:00 am

So I have been discussing “Good Enough” for a few posts here in June on ShawnWoodWrites, and then Seth Godin wrote this post, to which a few people pointed me. As I read that post and thought about what Seth was saying (and what all of you, who were quick to point it out, think he was saying), I realized I had two choices: Either Seth would define “mediocrity” not as a lack of excellence, but rather a lack of effectiveness, OR Seth Godin was contradicting himself. I think Seth is too smart to contradict himself, so I am going to side with choice #1. Read this post…
Don’t give me no “good enough” lines and keep your thoughts to yourself

ShawnWood

16 Jun 2009 | 10:57 am

I cleaned my garage this week. By cleaning I mean that twice a year I take everything out. Power-wash and repaint the floor with an anti-skid gray glossy paint. I then spray off everything in the garage and place it back in its assigned place. I like a clean garage. My “good enough” line on my garage is probably higher than yours. That is the beauty of the “good enough” line. My good enough line is mine, and yours is yours. Each organization has to set a good enough line and then stick to it. Just like mission drift, there can be “good enough line drift.”…
Good enough produces more leaders

ShawnWood

11 Jun 2009 | 11:22 am

The “Good Enough” principle produces more leaders. The lower the bar is able to be set (and remember, the bar needs to be set at “effective”), the more people can contribute. The higher your quality line gets, the fewer leaders/volunteers that are able to be involved. A pursuit of excellence breeds a leadership culture that prohibits people from serving. Raise the bar cautiously. It’s very hard to lower your “good enough” line. Once you’ve eaten at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Applebee’s just is not the same.

blog.worship.com
A Former President Explains What July 4 Means to Him

The Editors

3 Jul 2009 | 11:31 am

What July 4 Means To Meby Ronald Reagan For one who was born and grew up in the small towns of the Midwest, there is a special kind of nostalgia about the Fourth of July. I remember it as a day almost as long-anticipated as Christmas. This was helped along by the appearance in store windows of all kinds of fireworks and colorful posters advertising them with vivid pictures. No later than the third of July – sometimes earlier – Dad would bring home what he felt he could afford to see go up in smoke and flame. We'd count and recount the number of firecrackers, display pieces and other…
From Sea to Shining Sea

The Editors

3 Jul 2009 | 5:44 am

From Benjamin Franklin, during the debates and discussions surrounding the writing and acceptance of the U.S. Constitution. "The small progress we have made after four or five weeks' close attendance and continual reasonings with each other--our different sentiments on almost every question, several of the last producing as many noes as ayes--is, methinks, a melancholy proof of the imperfection of the human understanding. We indeed seem to feel our own want of political wisdom, since we have been running about in search of it. We have gone back to ancient history for models of…
Scotty Smith: The Hope of Sonship

The Editors

2 Jul 2009 | 1:15 pm

Writes Scotty Smith: The one word in the book of Revelation that used to either fuel my fear or stoke my pride, depending on my “performance,” is the word “overcomer.” As a young Christian in the late 60’s, I remember many last-night-of-the-retreat talks and fiery sermons prepping me and my friends to work hard to become an “overcomer”, ‘cause only the “overcomers” would survive the last days and finally make it to heaven. The biggest, darkest, most evil problem was that most of those talks I heard, 99% of the time, “left behind” the gospel! The onus of overcoming fell…
No Substitute

The Editors

2 Jul 2009 | 4:48 am

In recent years, I have become more and more convinced of a strong sentiment that is pervading the Church: people are tired of being entertained, tired of seeing things hyped for an emotional response, tired of anything that seems facke or insincere. Why? People are hungry for the real power of the living God! People are hungry for the real power of the living God! People are hurting, and a church program that just gives a pat on the back isn't going to cut it. People need the power of God. One taste of God's presence will strike such a chord in the hearts of the hurting…
A Heart Poised Toward God in Worship

The Editors

1 Jul 2009 | 3:35 am

Perimeter Church Pastor Bob Cargo looks at Psalm 95. A. W. Tozer once said that worship is the missing jewel of the church. Worship has been rediscovered today, after being neglected by the evangelical church for decades. Says Cargo: Worship is back on the radar screen, but my observation is that worship is often twisted and misunderstood. It's hijacked. It's dumbed down. It's jacked up. It's turned into something that's a mystical experience or an incomprehensible event and now maybe that we have rediscovered this jewel, it's time to clean it off and…

ReelWorship
Worship Media and Other Ramblings

Dan Benedict

I stumbled on to ReelWorship a month or so ago while looking for free worship media to use on Sunday mornings. I've been the pastor of my church for nine years as of a week or so ago and it took me until April

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