A new study released by Gallup has found that self-professed church attendance levels by state did not change significantly between 2008 and 2009. Nine of the top 10 states in self-professed church attendance are in the South (the only non-Southern state is Utah). States at the bottom of the church attendance list are in either New England or the West.
Respondents were asked how often they "attend church, synagogue or mosque — at least once a week, almost every week, about once a month, seldom or never." Nationally, 41.6 percent of all Americans in 2009 said they attended either "at least once a week" or "almost every week."
Top 10 States
% Attending weekly or almost every week
Mississippi 63
Alabama 58
S. Carolina 56
Louisiana 56
Utah 56
Tennessee 54
Arkansas 53
N. Carolina 53
Georgia 51
Texas 50
Bottom 11 States
% Attending weekly or almost every week
Vermont 23
New Hampshire 26
Maine 27
Massachusetts 29
Nevada 30
Hawaii 31
Oregon 31
Alaska 31
Washington 32
Rhode Island 32
Connecticut 32
With these statistics in mind, a question I would have is this, Where would Jesus spend his time (which states?) and where would he desire to start a church?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The Voice
A new type of Bible translation, somewhat different. You can download a copy of the gospel of John here
www.hearthevoice.com
www.hearthevoice.com
Friday, February 12, 2010
"LOVE AND WAR" a book review
After 30 yrs of marriage one thing my wife and I agree on is that people need to be warned better before tying that knot. Marriage is not what it appears to be on many tv shows, films and in many love novels.
In the book “Love and War” by John and Stasi Eldredge they say that there are 2 things everyone needs to know 1. Marriage is hard 2. Everyone brings their own brokenness into marriage.
Everyone has a lot of baggage that they bring with them into the marriage relationship, thus making marriage the hardest thing most of us will ever go through. The authors also state that most marriages, though we are not honest enough to admit it, are a disappointment.
There are some things we can do to improve our marriage relationships.
1. Beware of our common enemy, satan. Satan will do all he can to disrupt our marriages. The authors suggest that the main way to overcome is by praying-praying together.
2. A shared adventure ( this was the best chapter in the book). We have to have more than just ourselves to live for. The authors say, “…adventure helps to build companionship in a marriage…the highest of all adventures are those where we find ourselves partnering together for a cause.”
Thus when we are joined together for a cause it helps us to
3. Fight off “the little foxes”. Those small things that can spoil our marriage.
4. The authors also have a chapter on sex (though not to helpful). They sum that chapter up to three lines. Pg 175 in the book J
The authors state that the odds of a marriage making it is about 50/50. They say that on a scale of 1 to 10. 1 being bad 10 being great most people rate their marriage at about a 3.
A few thoughts regarding the book
1. If there are that many people disappointed in their marriage (and I don’t necessarily disagree) why is it that so many people that are divorce and/or widowed want to get married again?
2. Would stronger pre-marital counseling help in couples decision to marry? Like making it clear that when you get married some of these things you will have to do, weather you like it or not: cook meals, clean house, work at a job, have sex.
3. Too many books on marriage explain the general psyche of the male and female. What about those couples whose make up is the exception eg. Where the wife does not want to sit down and have a conversation about how the day went, but the husband does?
I appreciate the books that are given to me by by WaterBrook Multnomah to review. This book and others may be purchased at http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780385529808
In the book “Love and War” by John and Stasi Eldredge they say that there are 2 things everyone needs to know 1. Marriage is hard 2. Everyone brings their own brokenness into marriage.
Everyone has a lot of baggage that they bring with them into the marriage relationship, thus making marriage the hardest thing most of us will ever go through. The authors also state that most marriages, though we are not honest enough to admit it, are a disappointment.
There are some things we can do to improve our marriage relationships.
1. Beware of our common enemy, satan. Satan will do all he can to disrupt our marriages. The authors suggest that the main way to overcome is by praying-praying together.
2. A shared adventure ( this was the best chapter in the book). We have to have more than just ourselves to live for. The authors say, “…adventure helps to build companionship in a marriage…the highest of all adventures are those where we find ourselves partnering together for a cause.”
Thus when we are joined together for a cause it helps us to
3. Fight off “the little foxes”. Those small things that can spoil our marriage.
4. The authors also have a chapter on sex (though not to helpful). They sum that chapter up to three lines. Pg 175 in the book J
The authors state that the odds of a marriage making it is about 50/50. They say that on a scale of 1 to 10. 1 being bad 10 being great most people rate their marriage at about a 3.
A few thoughts regarding the book
1. If there are that many people disappointed in their marriage (and I don’t necessarily disagree) why is it that so many people that are divorce and/or widowed want to get married again?
2. Would stronger pre-marital counseling help in couples decision to marry? Like making it clear that when you get married some of these things you will have to do, weather you like it or not: cook meals, clean house, work at a job, have sex.
3. Too many books on marriage explain the general psyche of the male and female. What about those couples whose make up is the exception eg. Where the wife does not want to sit down and have a conversation about how the day went, but the husband does?
I appreciate the books that are given to me by by WaterBrook Multnomah to review. This book and others may be purchased at http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780385529808
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Mission Trips
The Last few years God has really been speaking to me about Matthew 24, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked etc. So back in Sept. I took a short trip to Haiti, more for observation and to see possibly what I could do about offering some humanitarian work/aid. While there I spoke to some pastors at a leadership conference, sponsored by ICDM. God began to deal with me about the need to help the churches and church leaders. This conviction has continued to grow in my heart.
Thus yesterday morning I had breakfast with Tim Hibschman from "Global Partners". We talked, among other things, about taking some short-term mission trips. Not for the purpose of seeing what others are doing, but being able to help the church in other parts of the world...so with that conversation we are tentatively scheduling a trip to Mexico to hold some seminars/meetings with pastors and church leaders. Your prayers would be appreciated.
Thus yesterday morning I had breakfast with Tim Hibschman from "Global Partners". We talked, among other things, about taking some short-term mission trips. Not for the purpose of seeing what others are doing, but being able to help the church in other parts of the world...so with that conversation we are tentatively scheduling a trip to Mexico to hold some seminars/meetings with pastors and church leaders. Your prayers would be appreciated.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
THE FAN
Watched the movie, "The Fan", with Patton Oswald (Spence from King of Queens). Good movie about a obssesed NY Giant football fan who gets beat up and hospitalized by his favorite player. The movie is about Pattons' struggles to know weather to press charges or not. If he does their team will lose, if he does not he recieves the ridicule from family and friends.
Good movie about people whose lives are consumed with sports. It helps us ask the question how much do I like my favorite sports team and is it worth it.
Good movie about people whose lives are consumed with sports. It helps us ask the question how much do I like my favorite sports team and is it worth it.
Monday, January 25, 2010
'LOST" A Book Review
"The Gospel According to Lost", by Chris Seay
If you watch the show “Lost” you know that the show is filled with mystery, unanswered questions and loose ends. Many of those questions have not and seemingly will not get answered. The Christian faith is filled with mystery, questions that we do not have answers to. The problem, within the church, seems that we are afraid of questions. We are afraid of asking things that we do not know about. I cant help but think part of our fear of questions is the fact that we may not like the answer, even if that answer is as non-threatening as, “I don’t know”.
There is a real sense of security in being certain, or even thinking that I am certain. And many times I would rather not know something that would make me question what I think I am certain about. I would rather believe a lie in security, than know the truth and be set free.
I like what the author says in the opening chapter, “The purpose of this book is not to erase the mystery, but to allow each of us to seek a posture that celebrates the things we do know and to embrace the mystery of things that have yet to unfold. We may find that the unknown is more valuable, meaningful and useful in stimulating the imagination than the know.”
The television show lost is about a group of people whose airplane crashes on an unknown island. The characters in the show are varied and unique. In each chapter of the book the author tries to tell some about each of the main characters.
I liked the way he attempted to describe each of the characters, but was disappointed in most cases of what he had to say about them and how it tied in with the ‘gospel’.
Some of the illustrations he used were unclear and a lot of the writing seemed to be choppy.
Two exceptions were in his discussion of ‘Sun and Jin: Patron Saints of Discontented Fisherman”. Where he makes the point that marriage brings out the best and worst in each of us, then quotes Dr. Joyce Brothers, “My husband and I have never considered divorce…murder sometimes, but never divorce.” And then Ghandi who said, “I first learned the concepts of nonviolence in my marriage.”
The other exception is the chapter on Benjamin Linus, who, for the most part, is the evil person in the story. The writer says clearly that the problem with Linus is that he does not love, he manipulates and uses people totally for his own purposes. Which I feel fits his character in the show perfectly.
If you watch the show “Lost” you know that the show is filled with mystery, unanswered questions and loose ends. Many of those questions have not and seemingly will not get answered. The Christian faith is filled with mystery, questions that we do not have answers to. The problem, within the church, seems that we are afraid of questions. We are afraid of asking things that we do not know about. I cant help but think part of our fear of questions is the fact that we may not like the answer, even if that answer is as non-threatening as, “I don’t know”.
There is a real sense of security in being certain, or even thinking that I am certain. And many times I would rather not know something that would make me question what I think I am certain about. I would rather believe a lie in security, than know the truth and be set free.
I like what the author says in the opening chapter, “The purpose of this book is not to erase the mystery, but to allow each of us to seek a posture that celebrates the things we do know and to embrace the mystery of things that have yet to unfold. We may find that the unknown is more valuable, meaningful and useful in stimulating the imagination than the know.”
The television show lost is about a group of people whose airplane crashes on an unknown island. The characters in the show are varied and unique. In each chapter of the book the author tries to tell some about each of the main characters.
I liked the way he attempted to describe each of the characters, but was disappointed in most cases of what he had to say about them and how it tied in with the ‘gospel’.
Some of the illustrations he used were unclear and a lot of the writing seemed to be choppy.
Two exceptions were in his discussion of ‘Sun and Jin: Patron Saints of Discontented Fisherman”. Where he makes the point that marriage brings out the best and worst in each of us, then quotes Dr. Joyce Brothers, “My husband and I have never considered divorce…murder sometimes, but never divorce.” And then Ghandi who said, “I first learned the concepts of nonviolence in my marriage.”
The other exception is the chapter on Benjamin Linus, who, for the most part, is the evil person in the story. The writer says clearly that the problem with Linus is that he does not love, he manipulates and uses people totally for his own purposes. Which I feel fits his character in the show perfectly.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Earthquake Hits Haiti
I just seen that Haiti was hit/struck by a earthquake. One of the last places on earth that needed that to happen to. Please pray for the people.
So what does a spiritual movement look like?
Dr Paul Pierson, a missions history prof at Fuller, and a pastor at Hollywood Presbyterian Church, compiled a very helpful list of characterstics of renewal movements. Here they are taken from www.tallskinnykiwi.typepad.com
- They always begin on the periphery of the institutional church
- They are motivated by a transforming experience (grace) of God by an individual or group.
- The result is the desire for a more authentic Christian life that often leads to concern for the church and world.
- Face to face groups for prayer, Bible study, mutual encouragement are important.
- New methods of selecting and training leaders become important. These are less institutional, more grass roots and lay oriented.
- There are theological breakthroughs, that is, rediscovery of aspects of the Biblical message that have been forgotten or overlooked by the Church, usually they involve a focus on the gifts of every believer.
- There is a leveling effect, distance decreases between clergy and laity, social classes, races, men and women, and denominations.
- The movement is countercultural in some ways, often because it reaches out to those who have not been valued by their society. - Consequently there will be opposition by many in the dominant culture and church. - There will often be manifestations of spiritual warfare. such movements sense the reality of evil and the need to recognize the vistory of Christ in the cross and resurrection.
- At times there will be unusual manifestations of the power of the Holy Spirit; healings, visions, glossalalia, miracles. etc.
- More flexible structures of church and mission will be needed and often emerge, different from traditional structures.
- The movement will be led to significant recontextualization of the Christian message, which will be communicated more widely by lay persons to those outside the church.
- New music is often a characteristic.
- Biblical concepts ignored by the traditional church but relevant to the hearers are often discovered.
- There will be a growing concern for the marginalized, often expressed in ministries of compassion.
- At a later stage this often leads to concern for broader social transformation.
- As the movement matures there will be concern for the renewal of the broader church.
- As the movement continues to mature many will see themselves not only as part of the particular movement but as citizens of the Kingdom of God, transcending their own movement.
- Finally, every movement is less than perfect and often messy at the edges and sometimes, at the center. This is inevitable as long as sinful humans are involved.
- They always begin on the periphery of the institutional church
- They are motivated by a transforming experience (grace) of God by an individual or group.
- The result is the desire for a more authentic Christian life that often leads to concern for the church and world.
- Face to face groups for prayer, Bible study, mutual encouragement are important.
- New methods of selecting and training leaders become important. These are less institutional, more grass roots and lay oriented.
- There are theological breakthroughs, that is, rediscovery of aspects of the Biblical message that have been forgotten or overlooked by the Church, usually they involve a focus on the gifts of every believer.
- There is a leveling effect, distance decreases between clergy and laity, social classes, races, men and women, and denominations.
- The movement is countercultural in some ways, often because it reaches out to those who have not been valued by their society. - Consequently there will be opposition by many in the dominant culture and church. - There will often be manifestations of spiritual warfare. such movements sense the reality of evil and the need to recognize the vistory of Christ in the cross and resurrection.
- At times there will be unusual manifestations of the power of the Holy Spirit; healings, visions, glossalalia, miracles. etc.
- More flexible structures of church and mission will be needed and often emerge, different from traditional structures.
- The movement will be led to significant recontextualization of the Christian message, which will be communicated more widely by lay persons to those outside the church.
- New music is often a characteristic.
- Biblical concepts ignored by the traditional church but relevant to the hearers are often discovered.
- There will be a growing concern for the marginalized, often expressed in ministries of compassion.
- At a later stage this often leads to concern for broader social transformation.
- As the movement matures there will be concern for the renewal of the broader church.
- As the movement continues to mature many will see themselves not only as part of the particular movement but as citizens of the Kingdom of God, transcending their own movement.
- Finally, every movement is less than perfect and often messy at the edges and sometimes, at the center. This is inevitable as long as sinful humans are involved.
Sunday, January 03, 2010
WITHOUT THEM
One of the most common things I hear is, "I'd like to do something remarkable like that, but my xyz won't let me." Where xyz = my boss, my publisher, my partner, my licensor, my franchisor, etc.
Well, you can fail by going along with that and not doing it, or you can do it, cause a ruckus and work things out later.
In my experience, once it's clear you're willing (not just willing, but itching, moving, and yes, implementing) without them, things start to happen. People are rarely willing to step up and stop you, and often just waiting to follow someone crazy enough to actually do something.
I'm going. Come along if you like.
from http://www.sethgodin.typepad.com
Well, you can fail by going along with that and not doing it, or you can do it, cause a ruckus and work things out later.
In my experience, once it's clear you're willing (not just willing, but itching, moving, and yes, implementing) without them, things start to happen. People are rarely willing to step up and stop you, and often just waiting to follow someone crazy enough to actually do something.
I'm going. Come along if you like.
from http://www.sethgodin.typepad.com
Sunday, December 27, 2009
How far away is your future?
Let's try a thought experiment:
A flying saucer comes to Earth, destroys a major city to get our attention, then announces that in 10,000 years it is coming back to destroy the Earth. In order to eliminate any doubt, it then blows up Mars.
Assume for a moment that you believe the threat and there's nothing we can do about it...
Question: how would knowing that the planet would disappear in 10,000 years change your typical day?
Okay, now run the same story, but 1,000 years from now instead.
You can probably guess where this is going. What if it were twenty years? If it were twenty years, how would that change things?
Most of us assume a single range of focus that we care about. And it's usually right around the corner, or even closer. Is that the place to be focusing your brand or your business or your life?
taken from: www.sethgodin.typepad.com
A flying saucer comes to Earth, destroys a major city to get our attention, then announces that in 10,000 years it is coming back to destroy the Earth. In order to eliminate any doubt, it then blows up Mars.
Assume for a moment that you believe the threat and there's nothing we can do about it...
Question: how would knowing that the planet would disappear in 10,000 years change your typical day?
Okay, now run the same story, but 1,000 years from now instead.
You can probably guess where this is going. What if it were twenty years? If it were twenty years, how would that change things?
Most of us assume a single range of focus that we care about. And it's usually right around the corner, or even closer. Is that the place to be focusing your brand or your business or your life?
taken from: www.sethgodin.typepad.com
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Merry Christmas
Rejoice, rejoice Christ our saviour has come
Cast off the works of darkness
Put on the ways of light
And clothe yourself with Christ
Put on love to surround you
Put on hope to guide you
Put on joy to sustain you
And clothe yourself with Christ
Rejoice on this dawn of righteousness
Rejoice for this day of justice
Rejoice in the prince of peace
And clothe yourself with Christ
from www.msainfo.org
Cast off the works of darkness
Put on the ways of light
And clothe yourself with Christ
Put on love to surround you
Put on hope to guide you
Put on joy to sustain you
And clothe yourself with Christ
Rejoice on this dawn of righteousness
Rejoice for this day of justice
Rejoice in the prince of peace
And clothe yourself with Christ
from www.msainfo.org
Monday, December 21, 2009
Primal
I would like to recommend a book to start the New Year off with, "Primal" by Mark Batterson.
In the last section the author states what the book ‘Primal’ is about.
“What does our generation need to rediscover? What primal truth needs to be remained? What is our reformation? Simply put we, we’ve got to be great at the Great Commandment…”
This book is about being great in loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and the writer attempts to give some thoughts on what that love would look like.
1. Loving God with all of our heart can be seen and exemplified in our giving.
2. Loving God with all of our soul is found in our rediscovery of wonder. He uses the idea of a ‘sixth sense’, we can only know some things as God reveals them to us. Thus emphasizing the necessity of reading/studying Gods word.
3. Loving God with all of our mind is seen in renewing our curiosity and not being afraid to ask questions. Christians should be the most creative people of all
4. Loving God with all of our strength means not being afraid to sweat. Manually working and laboring for God.
I enjoyed the book for 3 reasons
1. He said what needed to be said in just over 170 pages (It seems like authors always have to have at least 200 pages,,,WHY?)
2. He used examples from science, history and life to make his points
3. He seemed to write with passion. This is something he wanted to say (not just write a book about)
Thanks to WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for providing me this book to review.
In the last section the author states what the book ‘Primal’ is about.
“What does our generation need to rediscover? What primal truth needs to be remained? What is our reformation? Simply put we, we’ve got to be great at the Great Commandment…”
This book is about being great in loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and the writer attempts to give some thoughts on what that love would look like.
1. Loving God with all of our heart can be seen and exemplified in our giving.
2. Loving God with all of our soul is found in our rediscovery of wonder. He uses the idea of a ‘sixth sense’, we can only know some things as God reveals them to us. Thus emphasizing the necessity of reading/studying Gods word.
3. Loving God with all of our mind is seen in renewing our curiosity and not being afraid to ask questions. Christians should be the most creative people of all
4. Loving God with all of our strength means not being afraid to sweat. Manually working and laboring for God.
I enjoyed the book for 3 reasons
1. He said what needed to be said in just over 170 pages (It seems like authors always have to have at least 200 pages,,,WHY?)
2. He used examples from science, history and life to make his points
3. He seemed to write with passion. This is something he wanted to say (not just write a book about)
Thanks to WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for providing me this book to review.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas
If we could be honest for a moment, for the most part Christmas is about everything but Jesus. It is about buying gifts, it is about being with family, it is about shopping, its about decorating but where is Jesus.
In our society, many Christians have got upset because we want to say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. I think a question we need to ask ourselves, why are we upset about that? For the most part a holiday is all Christmas is to any of us anyway.
There was a email I got encouraging people to send a card to the ACLU that said “Merry Christmas”. the purpose of it was to let them know we think it should still be called Christmas instead of holidays….I cant imagine Jesus sending someone a card for the purpose of trying to prove a point…..If you want to prove a point, live a life that would represent Jesus…..Don’t buy any gifts on Christmas. Instead help the homeless, the hurting, the oppressed. That would send a greater message than any card.
Wouldn’t that be neat if all Christians decided that this Christmas, instead of buying for those of us who have about everything we want already, we are all going to pool our money and send to the starving in Africa or Haiti or somewhere else. I wonder what the world would think if that would happen...Possibly next year they may be saying Merry Christmas instead of Happy Holidays, and Christmas would actually mean that it has something to do with Jesus.
by the way...Merry Christmas
In our society, many Christians have got upset because we want to say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. I think a question we need to ask ourselves, why are we upset about that? For the most part a holiday is all Christmas is to any of us anyway.
There was a email I got encouraging people to send a card to the ACLU that said “Merry Christmas”. the purpose of it was to let them know we think it should still be called Christmas instead of holidays….I cant imagine Jesus sending someone a card for the purpose of trying to prove a point…..If you want to prove a point, live a life that would represent Jesus…..Don’t buy any gifts on Christmas. Instead help the homeless, the hurting, the oppressed. That would send a greater message than any card.
Wouldn’t that be neat if all Christians decided that this Christmas, instead of buying for those of us who have about everything we want already, we are all going to pool our money and send to the starving in Africa or Haiti or somewhere else. I wonder what the world would think if that would happen...Possibly next year they may be saying Merry Christmas instead of Happy Holidays, and Christmas would actually mean that it has something to do with Jesus.
by the way...Merry Christmas
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
consumerism at Wal-mart
Americans spend $36,000,000 at Wal-Mart every hour of every day. This works out to $20,928 profit every minute.
Wal-Mart employs 1.6 million people and is the nation’s largest private employer. It is also the largest company in the history of the world.
Wal-Mart now sells more food than Kroger and Safeway combined, and did this in only 15 years. Wal-Mart now sells more food than any other store in the world.
Wal-Mart has approx. 3,900 stores in the U.S. (1,906 are Super Centers, a 1,000 increase since 2004).
90% of all Americans live within 15 miles of a Wal-Mart.
Wal-Mart employs 1.6 million people and is the nation’s largest private employer. It is also the largest company in the history of the world.
Wal-Mart now sells more food than Kroger and Safeway combined, and did this in only 15 years. Wal-Mart now sells more food than any other store in the world.
Wal-Mart has approx. 3,900 stores in the U.S. (1,906 are Super Centers, a 1,000 increase since 2004).
90% of all Americans live within 15 miles of a Wal-Mart.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Free e-book
Here is a free e-book from Seth Godin. It looks pretty neat.
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/files/what-matters-now-1.pdf
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/files/what-matters-now-1.pdf
Thursday, November 26, 2009
The Justice Project
“The Justice Project” edited by Brian Mclaren, Elisa Padilla and Ashley Seeber is a compilation of 35 chapters of essays by different authors from different races, cultures and backgrounds that deal with the issues of Justice. As with any book of essays written by different authors, some are better than others.
I would like to address briefly. Chp. 22 Just Religion: Why should We De-colonize God’s name?
The author tries to make the claim for a salvation in other religions outside of Christ (without denying Christ). His main argument seems to be that God is moving in other peoples lives and other religions that are not Christ centered. I would agree with the author that God is moving in peoples lives who do not know Jesus.
On a recent mission trip to Haiti, I seen God moving. God was there in the smile of a young lady who was selling coconuts on the side of the road. This lady has no water, no electric, nothing of any material goods and there she is smiling—That was God.
I seen God in the fact, that for the most part, people there are not starving, even though it seems like they should be. That was what we call Gods prevenient, sovereign grace. (The sun shines on the just and the unjust).
But seeing all that only means that they need to recognize the “unknown God” and that God is Jesus. Which puts the responsibility on us, to go and share the good news found in Jesus.
Another part of the chapter the author ask the question, “How is the good news good to those who have never heard?” Then as an example he asks if there was a viral disease on Manhattan Island and the authorities issued only one bus on which to evacuate, how would that constitute good news for its citizens?
I would answer by saying the good news is that the followers of Jesus give up their seat on the bus so that others may escape. And they did that because of the life transforming power of Jesus in their life.
I would like to address briefly. Chp. 22 Just Religion: Why should We De-colonize God’s name?
The author tries to make the claim for a salvation in other religions outside of Christ (without denying Christ). His main argument seems to be that God is moving in other peoples lives and other religions that are not Christ centered. I would agree with the author that God is moving in peoples lives who do not know Jesus.
On a recent mission trip to Haiti, I seen God moving. God was there in the smile of a young lady who was selling coconuts on the side of the road. This lady has no water, no electric, nothing of any material goods and there she is smiling—That was God.
I seen God in the fact, that for the most part, people there are not starving, even though it seems like they should be. That was what we call Gods prevenient, sovereign grace. (The sun shines on the just and the unjust).
But seeing all that only means that they need to recognize the “unknown God” and that God is Jesus. Which puts the responsibility on us, to go and share the good news found in Jesus.
Another part of the chapter the author ask the question, “How is the good news good to those who have never heard?” Then as an example he asks if there was a viral disease on Manhattan Island and the authorities issued only one bus on which to evacuate, how would that constitute good news for its citizens?
I would answer by saying the good news is that the followers of Jesus give up their seat on the bus so that others may escape. And they did that because of the life transforming power of Jesus in their life.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
VAMPIRES
With the popularity of the “Twilight” books and the movies (New Moon to come out this weekend) about vampires, here are 2 books that WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group provided me to review
The first is a non-fiction book (“Touched by a Vampire: Discovering the Hidden Messages in the Twilight Saga” by Beth Felker Jones) that guides the reader through the “Twilight” series. It uses the themes of the Twilight books such as romance, love, gender roles, good bad, choices, desires etc.as a springboard to look at what the Bible says on such subjects.
This is one of the best books I have read that takes a look at a pop culture fad and opens the subject up for discussion without being totally negative or discouraging about reading the original series. This book, with questions at the end of each chapter, would be a great small group study for high school or college age adults.
I would give the book 5 stars.
The next book is a novel by Tracey Bateman titled, “Thirsty”
I generally am not a reader of novels, but seeing the popularity of the “Twilight” series (not to mention my daughters numerous readings of the whole series) I thought I would give this book a try.
For the most part the book kept my interest, for the fact that I kept expecting something great or unusual or shocking to take place. The book seemed to me to be a reading of a predictable made for TV movie (nothing great, unusual or shocking took place).
The characters in the story were pretty much predictable: you have a good person (Nina) struggling with a bad habit (alcoholism). And how that habit has affected those family members around her. You have a evil person trying to be good (Marcus). You have a small town, with its sheriff, trying to unravel the mystery of strange murders. And then you have the happy ending.
One area of the dialogue that was very silly was on pg.228. The main character of the story (Nina) and the sheriff of the town (Jill) are awaiting the highway patrol to come and examine a murder.
Nina says, “The calvary has arrived.”
The sheriff corrects her with, “Cavalry”. …”How can you get a bunch of old horse soldiers mixed up with the place where Jesus died?”
I felt that this was some sort of feeling of obligation to say something about Jesus in the story.
Overall I would give this a 2 ½ stars out of a possible 5.
Touched by a Vampire: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601422781
Thirsty: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9780307457158
The first is a non-fiction book (“Touched by a Vampire: Discovering the Hidden Messages in the Twilight Saga” by Beth Felker Jones) that guides the reader through the “Twilight” series. It uses the themes of the Twilight books such as romance, love, gender roles, good bad, choices, desires etc.as a springboard to look at what the Bible says on such subjects.
This is one of the best books I have read that takes a look at a pop culture fad and opens the subject up for discussion without being totally negative or discouraging about reading the original series. This book, with questions at the end of each chapter, would be a great small group study for high school or college age adults.
I would give the book 5 stars.
The next book is a novel by Tracey Bateman titled, “Thirsty”
I generally am not a reader of novels, but seeing the popularity of the “Twilight” series (not to mention my daughters numerous readings of the whole series) I thought I would give this book a try.
For the most part the book kept my interest, for the fact that I kept expecting something great or unusual or shocking to take place. The book seemed to me to be a reading of a predictable made for TV movie (nothing great, unusual or shocking took place).
The characters in the story were pretty much predictable: you have a good person (Nina) struggling with a bad habit (alcoholism). And how that habit has affected those family members around her. You have a evil person trying to be good (Marcus). You have a small town, with its sheriff, trying to unravel the mystery of strange murders. And then you have the happy ending.
One area of the dialogue that was very silly was on pg.228. The main character of the story (Nina) and the sheriff of the town (Jill) are awaiting the highway patrol to come and examine a murder.
Nina says, “The calvary has arrived.”
The sheriff corrects her with, “Cavalry”. …”How can you get a bunch of old horse soldiers mixed up with the place where Jesus died?”
I felt that this was some sort of feeling of obligation to say something about Jesus in the story.
Overall I would give this a 2 ½ stars out of a possible 5.
Touched by a Vampire: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601422781
Thirsty: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9780307457158
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Worship in the Park
Next Sunday, Nov. 15, we will be worshipping at the lakefront (Lake Toho) in Kissimmee. Service time begins at 10:30 under the shelter and there will be a grill out/picnic immediately following. Everyone is welcome.
Friday, October 30, 2009
UNIONS
This is a letter to the editor I sent 'World Magazine'
This is in reference to your article "Bargaining Hunting". In trying to discredit and to put unions in a bad light. There are some things about unions that people fail to take in consideration.
1. The reason we have a middle class here in the US is because of unions. The reason that the middle class is shrinking (rich getting richer and poor getting poorer) is because the unions have lost their clout.
2. Unions speak collectively for people who fear to speak for themselves. (I believe scripture speaks of speaking on behalf of others)
3. There is a need for unions because people (CEO, Company Owners etc.) are greedy. Unions have a tempering effect on greed. For the most part CEO's etc. will pay what little they can get by with. Non-union companies that do pay well, only do so in hope that the union will not come in and force payment.
4. For the most part, employees who are against unions really do not understand unions. For what would you rather work for $10.00 per hour or $20.00 per hour?
5. Union employes' do pay union dues. So if I pay $2.00 a hour in union dues, now I only make $18.00 per hour. Again would you rather make $10.00 per hour or $18.00?
As a person who has worked both union and non-union and also has had my own union company may I give a real life example. The union contractor bids 1 million dollars for the job and pays his workers $20.00 per hour. The non-union contractor comes in and hopes to get the same job for $999,999.00. But he is paying his help $8-10.00 per hour. What is the difference? The union contractor is paying his help more of the profit that he would normally make. The non-union is keeping more for himself. Thus the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
Thank You
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Money for Haiti
Saturday, Nov. 7, we will be having a yard sale to raise funds to help feed, clothe and educate some children in Haiti. Any donations, either of objects to sell or monetary, will be appreciated.
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