tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-334975222024-02-18T21:44:01.172-06:00Can't Help Blogging About What I've Seen & HeardJoeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33497522.post-4340696657481462522009-06-10T10:58:00.004-05:002009-06-10T11:15:45.226-05:00Moving to joeysparks.net<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP33DMus6r9h5kOHVnfwp9CYCaIg7VfGR-5VNBCNWA4FoJIi5CvOk70C6-yMCT_hOlF4MyIfVkA0IMp9Za-NmJKognhX5BXt02hiSzWE7hJVfxBeME0ONPmIJCahU6GTy8XkBp/s1600-h/arrows+vector+look.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP33DMus6r9h5kOHVnfwp9CYCaIg7VfGR-5VNBCNWA4FoJIi5CvOk70C6-yMCT_hOlF4MyIfVkA0IMp9Za-NmJKognhX5BXt02hiSzWE7hJVfxBeME0ONPmIJCahU6GTy8XkBp/s200/arrows+vector+look.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345733057245991570" border="0" /></a><br />Thanks to Tony at <a href="http://www.evenparsolutions.com/">EvenPar Solutions</a>, I've moved over to WordPress at <a href="http://www.joeysparks.net/">joeysparks.net</a>.<br /><br />I've been using WordPress for our church website (and been having issues with Blogger--when I've posted), so I've made the move. All of the previous posts at this address are over at the new site.<br /><br />Please update your feeds, change your bookmarks, and adjust your blogrolls. I look forward to doing some cool things in the new space.Joeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33497522.post-91844572027579777632009-04-01T09:46:00.006-05:002009-04-01T12:02:32.493-05:00I'm a Fool<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01158/portal-graphics-20_1158429a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01158/portal-graphics-20_1158429a.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I love surfing the internet on April Fool's Day. It's a virtual game of "I Spy" to find the fake blog posts, the new upgrade to Gmail (this year it's <a href="http://mail.google.com/mail/help/autopilot/index.html">Autopilot</a>), and other attempts to get people to bite hook, line, and sinker. I've not been creative enough to devise a good April Fool's joke myself (I briefly considered complementing Lane Kiffin's public relations genius), but I love the hoopla surrounding the day. Based on my posting schedule, you might think me making a post at all is a joke ;).<br /><br />This year, my mind turned toward the word of God. "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good" (Ps. 14:1, ESV).<br /><br />Something heavy and heartbreaking struck me this morning about this verse. I am a fool. I've never uttered the phrase "There is no God." I've never formulated an elaborate argument against the existence of God. But the verse isn't pointing the finger at the staunch, Richard Dawkins-like atheists. "The fool says in his <span style="font-style: italic;">heart</span>...they <span style="font-style: italic;">do</span> abominable deeds...there is none who <span style="font-style: italic;">does</span> good." The "fool" label isn't just reserved for those who articulate a disbelief in God, but also for those who act as if He doesn't exist.<br /><br />When I presume on God's grace and act in my own selfish interests, I'm a fool (Rom. 6:1-2).<br /><br />When I talk badly about someone God created with a grand and glorious purpose in His spiritual kingdom, I'm a fool (Eph. 4:29).<br /><br />When I convince myself this life is about "stuff" and how much of it I can accumulate, I'm a fool (Luke 12:13-21)<br /><br />When I stretch, bend, or hide the truth--even when I'm doing something I think <span style="font-style: italic;">needs</span> to be done--I'm a fool (Col. 3:9-10).<br /><br />When I attempt to fulfill a God-given need in an ungodly way, I'm a fool (Matt. 4:2-4).<br /><br />When I put off encouraging a brother or sister because "there's always tomorrow," I'm a fool (Heb. 3:13).<br /><br />When I minimize God's standards of purity by surrounding myself with unholy people/watching unholy TV & movies/going to unholy places, I'm a fool (Eph. 5:3-12).<br /><br />When I think that God won't do what He says He will do when I dishonor the blood of Christ, I'm a fool (Heb. 10:29-31).<br /><br />"Father, help me to stop living as a fool--as if You don't exist. Thank you for forgiving the foolish (1 Jn. 1:9)."<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God (Psalm 14:2)</span></span>.<br /></div>Joeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33497522.post-66591754251064700972009-02-07T16:49:00.005-06:002009-02-07T17:19:24.211-06:00Say It Ain't So, A-RodI appreciate ESPN's bottom-line feature in principle. I don't enjoy, however, receiving big-time news through it (& I hate when I see the final score to a game while I'm watching the highlights of that very game, but I digress).<br /><br />I've caught wind of several monumental announcements by way of the bottom line. I remember finding out about the deaths of Alabama/Kansas City Chiefs great Derrick Thomas and Redskins safety Sean Taylor. I found out that Dennis Franchione was bolting from Alabama to Texas A&M through the bottom line. I often keep up (not with excitement, though) with the latest Terrell Owens "he said/he said" soap opera that scrolls by. Today, I read about one more death.<br /><br />Baseball is dead.<br /><br />It's only hope was actually on dope. Sports Illustrated is reporting that Alex Rodriguez tested positive for two different kinds of anabolic steroids in 2003. He was the one guy with the ability, numbers, personality, and exposure to restore an air of integrity upon a previous era of infamy.<br /><br />I don't foresee people getting as upset about A-Rod's doping as they did about Bonds and Clemens. <a href="http://joeysparks.blogspot.com/2007/08/bonds-756-call-for-consistency.html">Inconsistency</a> is the one thing that has characterized the entire debate during the steroid era. I don't see that stopping now. The 'fair' thing to do is to toss A-Rod under the bus and out of the Hall the same way everyone's done Bond, Clemens, and McGwire (especially considering there's already more 'proof' of A-Rod's usage than any of the other three--a positive test). That doesn't matter anymore, though. A lot of people were cheating in baseball. Too many to know or to count. Since we can't accurately know who was doping or not, I'm afraid the baby will end up getting thrown out with the dirty water.<br /><br />We should hope for some young studs to rise up and take over the game in the name of fairness, integrity, and honesty. For now, the future looks bleak.Joeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33497522.post-74824561621638380082009-01-23T10:34:00.003-06:002009-01-23T10:57:25.497-06:00Hope, Change, & A Lot of Good Quotes<span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzA8KN_laaC_MHApdBKn1I6ZzVPgd9pZ7VmRpXqhHNl_9k_bUGif1n7HvPCnCEc2r8h27_zFziYB9mre8BMux0mPbFS6Iot94FbgdRNQwdTekMDV3h_jyuqYAUFo1Qk-KR43V/s1600-h/heardo.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzA8KN_laaC_MHApdBKn1I6ZzVPgd9pZ7VmRpXqhHNl_9k_bUGif1n7HvPCnCEc2r8h27_zFziYB9mre8BMux0mPbFS6Iot94FbgdRNQwdTekMDV3h_jyuqYAUFo1Qk-KR43V/s320/heardo.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294533329422279266" border="0" /></a></span><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; 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font-family: verdana;"><span style="line-height: 114%;font-size:85%;color:black;" >Great crowds have flocked to hear this moment in history. Their eyes and ears are firmly focused upon the orator—one of their own; many are hopeful he has come to rescue them from repression. Their expectations of his capabilities and purpose are extraordinary, misunderstood even. As a people, they have been waiting for this day for years, decades, and even centuries. The hopeful audience anticipates his words of vision and direction. They are eyewitnesses to history.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 114%; font-family: verdana;"><span style="line-height: 114%;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span>
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 114%; font-family: verdana;"><span style="line-height: 114%;font-size:85%;color:black;" >Throughout the discourse, there is a heavy emphasis upon change. The speaker notes keys to economic success. It’s impossible to miss the theme of loving and helping others. There’s even a part about being correct with oaths.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 114%; font-family: verdana;"><span style="line-height: 114%;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span>
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 114%; font-family: verdana;"><span style="line-height: 114%;font-size:85%;color:black;" >This moment in history didn’t take place in the capital of a 21st century world-power, but rather in 1st century Palestine. The speaker really was the Messiah; He actually brought hope and change to a people repressed by the consequences of sin.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 114%; font-family: verdana;"><span style="line-height: 114%;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span>
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 114%; font-family: verdana;"><span style="line-height: 114%;font-size:85%;color:black;" >When Jesus spoke what we commonly call the “Sermon on the Mount,” he did so without the aid of a microphone; there were much less than 2 million people in attendance. Yet, as far as speeches go, there’s likely not a more important one in the history of the world. Even though many would still reject Him as the Messiah and Savior, it serves as a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry and in God’s revelation of the new covenant.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 114%; font-family: verdana;"><span style="line-height: 114%;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span><span style="line-height: 114%; font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;color:black;" >
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 114%; font-family: verdana;"><span style="line-height: 114%; font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;color:black;" >Words of God > Words of men.</span><span style="line-height: 114%;font-size:85%;color:black;" > We must always remember to hang our hopes and confidence on the unchanging words of our Lord. We as men can write and deliver powerful messages; none of those, however, come from the pen of the Creator and Sustainer. May we hear, hallow, and obey His words (Matt. 7:21-23).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 114%; font-family: verdana;"><span style="line-height: 114%;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span><span style="line-height: 114%; font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;color:black;" >
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 114%; font-family: verdana;"><span style="line-height: 114%; font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;color:black;" >Change is easier said than done.</span><span style="line-height: 114%;font-size:85%;color:black;" > Much of Jesus’ sermon is fashioned around the thesis, “Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, your will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:20). He then outlines specific areas of change by saying, “You have heard that it was said...but I say to you…” Notice some of the things to which he alludes: anger, lust, divorce, honesty, revenge, loving enemies. Don’t we as 21st century America still struggle with many (or all) of those? What about within the church? What about you and me? Two-thousand years ago, Jesus ushered in an era of change; one that starts in the hearts of individuals. Even though it’s not easy, may we have the courage to change the world by changing our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 114%; font-family: verdana;"><span style="line-height: 114%;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span></span><span style="line-height: 114%; font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;color:black;" >
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 114%; font-family: verdana;"><span style="line-height: 114%; font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;color:black;" >Only one foundation lasts.</span><span style="line-height: 114%;font-size:85%;color:black;" > The riveting conclusion of Jesus’ sermon describes two normal men with two normal houses who face powerful storms. Only one house survives the storm—the one built upon hearing and doing God’s words. The other house is destroyed (Matt. 7:24-27). No matter how important, powerful, and discerning politicians and governments are, they will not withstand the storms of this life or the next if they are guided by anything other than the truth of God’s word. Our lives are no different.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 114%; font-family: verdana;"><span style="line-height: 114%;font-size:85%;color:black;" ><span style=""> </span>
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 114%; font-family: verdana;"><span style="line-height: 114%;font-size:85%;color:black;" >Let’s make sure our faith is founded upon Him and His word. He's where we find hope.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Joeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33497522.post-87915027626359436902009-01-09T07:44:00.005-06:002009-01-09T17:29:19.732-06:00Why Do We Argue?<div align="center">...every year about whether or not the SEC is the best conference in the country?<br /></div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 250px; height: 150px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd230/bobert_051/SoutheasternConferenceLogo.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">In BCS Title Games:<br /><br />Big East: 1-2 (Miami, Va Tech)<br />ACC: 1-2 (FSU)<br />PAC 10: 1-1 (USC)<br />Big 10: 1-2 (OSU)<br />Big 12: 2-4 (OU, Texas, Neb)<br />SEC: 5-0 (Tenn, LSU, Fla)</p>Joeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33497522.post-43714253861827706442008-11-28T14:10:00.004-06:002008-11-28T14:26:59.100-06:00Trey Morgan: Sex, Porn, & Marriage Links<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV32dwWhOye_xrPW_ud5BK_v8uyuUAZ-6qJNxMT8BM1pYwVSI1huIz-iRTebpq4r0-RBlfzyXrS0HxfVihdaVNIGe45Ce56L5UBeugVK37A0Yq78S9DASd8wsddY-55jeWjEiD/s1600-h/me_andmy_mouse.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273804889583467634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV32dwWhOye_xrPW_ud5BK_v8uyuUAZ-6qJNxMT8BM1pYwVSI1huIz-iRTebpq4r0-RBlfzyXrS0HxfVihdaVNIGe45Ce56L5UBeugVK37A0Yq78S9DASd8wsddY-55jeWjEiD/s320/me_andmy_mouse.jpg" border="0" /></a>Over the past several months, <a href="http://www.treymorgan.net/">Trey Morgan</a> has published what has become a good series on men, sex, pornography, and marriage. These issues need to be addressed from a Biblical perspective much more often than they currently are. I figured linking to his articles was the least I could do for the present. Don't miss the two chilling emails from female readers. Powerful stuff. Most recent posts are listed first.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.treymorgan.net/2008/11/pornography-in-marriage.html">Pornography in Marriage</a> (November 25, 2008)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.treymorgan.net/2008/10/pornography-and-marriage.html">Pornography and Marriage</a> (October 22, 2008)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.treymorgan.net/2008/10/men-and-sex.html">Men and Sex</a> (October 15, 2008)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.treymorgan.net/2007/08/porn-myth.html">The Porn Myth</a> (August 4, 2007)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.treymorgan.net/2007/01/free-porn-or-porn-free.html">Free Porn or Porn Free</a> (January 23, 2007)<br /><br />Thanks to God for the beauty of a holy marriage and thanks to Trey for these helpful posts...Joeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33497522.post-90043345631778918852008-11-21T08:22:00.003-06:002008-11-21T08:27:39.429-06:00Peter: A Case Study in Maturity<span style="font-family:verdana;">In the </span><a href="http://joeysparks.blogspot.com/2008/11/peter-case-study-in-immaturity.html"><span style="font-family:verdana;">first post</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> of this series, we studied Peter’s weakness the night before Jesus was crucified. After Jesus’ arrest, the crowd questioned Peter about his association with Him. All three times, Peter denied his Lord. Peter was weak when Jesus—his major source of spiritual influence—was taken away from him. He buckled when pressured by the crowd. And when forced to choose his true allegiance, he denied knowing Jesus Christ. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">After that tragic night, Peter goes on to do great things for his Lord. Much of the first half of the book of Acts features Peter as its main character. He also pens two books of the New Testament. Peter’s sermon at Pentecost in Acts 2 jump-starts this post-resurrection greatness. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">At Pentecost of Acts 2, notice that Peter’s faith stood strong when... </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Jesus was taken away—for good—from His disciples (Acts 1:6-10).</strong> Fifty days prior to this account, Peter acted immaturely and denied knowing Jesus. Now, Jesus has died and resurrected. He is back spending time with the apostles and disciples. In Acts 1, however, we read that Jesus ascends to heaven to be with the Father until His second coming (Matt. 25:36-37). This is more significant than being arrested and taken away to trial. This is final. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Notice how Peter responds after Jesus leaves this time. First, he leads the effort to replace Judas with Mathias (Acts 1:15ff). Then, at Pentecost, he preaches that Jesus is the Christ, and some 3,000 souls are baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:14-41). Though Peter no longer had his major source of spiritual influence, he exercised spiritual strength by introducing a multitude of souls to their Savior. As Jesus had comforted Peter and the apostles, He comforts us today, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Some in the crowd were pressuring the disciples (Acts 2:5-13). </strong>Peter denied knowing Jesus when the crowd approached him directly. He gave in to peer pressure. Here, in Acts 2, we see pressure from some in the audience that day. Through the Holy Spirit, the apostles were doing unbelievable things (Acts 2:1-12). They were so unbelievable that some mockingly accused the apostles of being drunk! </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The apostles could avoid embarrassment by not speaking in tongues. Peter could preach an easier message to the Jewish crowd that Jesus was not the Messiah. Peter also could ignore the insults hurled by the audience. Instead, Peter and the apostles display great courage by confronting their erroneous claims (2:14-15) and by preaching the truth about Jesus Christ (2:16-41). </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>He was forced to choose his allegiance (Acts 2:14-39).</strong> In Matthew 26, Peter could not ride the fence regarding his association with Jesus. He could only answer “yes” or “no” (“present” was not an option). In Acts 2—before an anti-Jesus crowd—he had to choose if and how strongly to preach the saving message about Jesus. Based on how the people previously handled Jesus, they could kill Peter just the same. If a violent disturbance broke out, the apostles and disciples were clearly outnumbered. On this occasion, Peter boldly tells the people “God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36). </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Even though the truth would be difficult for some to accept, he proclaimed it anyway. His faith in Christ was strong and his actions prove it. Like Peter, we will face situations where our faith and allegiance are tested. We must choose Christ anytime and every time. Peter made a dramatic turnaround from his denial of Jesus to his sermon on Pentecost.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Next time, we’ll look at what made the difference for Peter and can make the difference for us today. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">In case you missed it, check out </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">Part 1, <a href="http://joeysparks.blogspot.com/2008/11/peter-case-study-in-immaturity.html">"Peter: A Case Study in Immaturity."</a></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><a href="http://joeysparks.blogspot.com/2008/11/peter-case-study-in-immaturity.html"> </a></span>Joeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33497522.post-14757163810877881422008-11-20T17:04:00.004-06:002008-11-20T17:23:26.296-06:00What If Starbucks Marketed Like the Church?<span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" >I'm not a fan of those who are constantly negative about the church. Just as my wife exercises patience with me, I hope Christ exercises patience with His bride as we overcome our faults and outgrow our immature complaining (Eph. 5:22-33).<br /><br />In the process of growing and improving, there are some interesting things to consider. Over the past several years, discussion has increased concerning how to welcome guests/visitors to our assemblies. This video highlights how some of our good-intentioned efforts likely fall short at welcoming those who might be new to our assemblies. I've seen it on several blogs recently and felt it worthy of passing on.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/D7_dZTrjw9I&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/D7_dZTrjw9I&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />I think there are some things worth considering. Ultimately, I think guests can easily detect whether our actions (whether or not they are considered the most "guest friendly") are growths of love and warmth.<br /></span>Joeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33497522.post-92090674891051738642008-11-19T15:51:00.003-06:002008-11-19T16:43:27.584-06:00Peter: A Case Study in Immaturity<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Publisher.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Publisher 11"><link style="font-family: verdana;" rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CJOEYSP%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} b\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if pub]><xml> <b:publication type="OplPub" oty="68" oh="256"> <b:ohprintblock priv="30E">280</b:OhPrintBlock> <b:dptlpagedimensions type="OplPt" priv="1211"> <b:xl priv="104">7772400</b:Xl> <b:yl priv="204">10058400</b:Yl> </b:DptlPageDimensions> <b:ohgallery priv="180E">259</b:OhGallery> <b:ohfancyborders priv="190E">261</b:OhFancyBorders> <b:ohcaptions priv="1A0E">257</b:OhCaptions> <b:ohquilldoc priv="200E">275</b:OhQuillDoc> <b:ohmailmergedata priv="210E">262</b:OhMailMergeData> <b:ohcolorscheme priv="220E">278</b:OhColorScheme> <b:dwnextuniqueoid priv="2304">1</b:DwNextUniqueOid> <b:identguid priv="2A07">0ZRM43Z>=$T.MEJX'?=YKS`</b:IdentGUID> <b:dpgspecial priv="2C03">5</b:DpgSpecial> <b:ctimesedited priv="3C04">1</b:CTimesEdited> <b:nudefaultunitsex priv="4104">0</b:NuDefaultUnitsEx> </b:Publication> <b:printerinfo type="OplPrb" oty="75" oh="280"> <b:ohcolorsepblock priv="30E">281</b:OhColorSepBlock> <b:finitcomplete priv="1400">False</b:FInitComplete> <b:dpix priv="2203">0</b:DpiX> <b:dpiy priv="2303">0</b:DpiY> </b:PrinterInfo> <b:colorseperationinfo type="OplCsb" oty="79" oh="281"> <b:plates type="OplCsp" priv="214"> <b:oplcsp type="OplCsp" priv="11"> <b:ecpplate type="OplEcp" priv="213"> <b:color priv="104">-1</b:Color> </b:EcpPlate> </b:OplCsp> </b:Plates> <b:dzloverprintmost priv="304">304800</b:DzlOverprintMost> <b:cproverprintmin priv="404">243</b:CprOverprintMin> <b:fkeepawaytrap priv="700">True</b:FKeepawayTrap> <b:cprtrapmin1 priv="904">128</b:CprTrapMin1> <b:cprtrapmin2 priv="A04">77</b:CprTrapMin2> <b:cprkeepawaymin priv="B04">255</b:CprKeepawayMin> <b:dzltrap priv="C04">3175</b:DzlTrap> <b:dzlindtrap priv="D04">3175</b:DzlIndTrap> <b:pctcenterline priv="E04">70</b:PctCenterline> <b:fmarksregistration priv="F00">True</b:FMarksRegistration> <b:fmarksjob priv="1000">True</b:FMarksJob> <b:fmarksdensity priv="1100">True</b:FMarksDensity> <b:fmarkscolor priv="1200">True</b:FMarksColor> <b:flinescreendefault priv="1300">True</b:FLineScreenDefault> </b:ColorSeperationInfo> <b:textdocproperties type="OplDocq" oty="91" oh="275"> <b:ohplcqsb priv="20E">277</b:OhPlcqsb> <b:ecpsplitmenu type="OplEcp" priv="A13"> <b:color>134217728</b:Color> </b:EcpSplitMenu> </b:TextDocProperties> <b:storyblock type="OplPlcQsb" oty="101" oh="277"> <b:iqsbmax priv="104">1</b:IqsbMax> <b:rgqsb type="OplQsb" priv="214"> <b:oplqsb type="OplQsb" priv="11"> <b:qsid priv="104">1</b:Qsid> <b:tomfcopyfitbase priv="80B">-9999996.000000</b:TomfCopyfitBase> <b:tomfcopyfitbase2 priv="90B">-9999996.000000</b:TomfCopyfitBase2> </b:OplQsb> </b:Rgqsb> </b:StoryBlock> <b:colorscheme type="OplSccm" oty="92" oh="278"> <b:cecp priv="104">8</b:Cecp> <b:rgecp type="OplEcp" priv="214"> <b:oplecp priv="F">Empty</b:OplEcp> <b:oplecp type="OplEcp" priv="111"> <b:color>16711680</b:Color> </b:OplEcp> <b:oplecp type="OplEcp" priv="211"> <b:color>52479</b:Color> </b:OplEcp> <b:oplecp type="OplEcp" priv="311"> <b:color>26367</b:Color> </b:OplEcp> <b:oplecp type="OplEcp" priv="411"> <b:color>13421772</b:Color> </b:OplEcp> <b:oplecp type="OplEcp" priv="511"> <b:color>16737792</b:Color> </b:OplEcp> <b:oplecp type="OplEcp" priv="611"> <b:color>13382502</b:Color> </b:OplEcp> <b:oplecp type="OplEcp" priv="711"> <b:color>16777215</b:Color> </b:OplEcp> </b:Rgecp> <b:szschemename priv="618">Bluebird</b:SzSchemeName> </b:ColorScheme> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if pub]><xml> <b:page type="OplPd" oty="67" oh="265"> <b:ptlvorigin type="OplPt" priv="511"> <b:xl>22860000</b:Xl> <b:yl>22860000</b:Yl> </b:PtlvOrigin> <b:oid priv="605">(`@`````````</b:Oid> <b:ohoplwebpageprops priv="90E">266</b:OhoplWebPageProps> <b:ohpdmaster priv="D0D">263</b:OhpdMaster> <b:pgttype priv="1004">5</b:PgtType> <b:ptlvoriginex type="OplPt" priv="1111"> <b:xl>110185200</b:Xl> <b:yl>110185200</b:Yl> </b:PtlvOriginEx> </b:Page> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Garamond; 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font-size:10.0pt; color:black; mso-font-kerning:14.0pt; mso-char-tracking:100%; mso-font-width:100%;} ol {margin-top:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.25in;} ul {margin-top:0in; margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:.25in;} @page {mso-hyphenate:auto;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="3075" fill="f" fillcolor="white [7]" strokecolor="black [0]"> <v:fill color="white [7]" color2="white [7]" on="f"> <v:stroke color="black [0]" color2="white [7]"> <o:left ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]"> <o:top ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]"> <o:right ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]"> <o:bottom ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]"> <o:column ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]"> </v:stroke> <v:shadow color="#ccc [4]"> <v:textbox inset="2.88pt,2.88pt,2.88pt,2.88pt"> <o:colormenu ext="edit" fillcolor="blue [1]" strokecolor="black [0]" shadowcolor="#ccc [4]"> </o:shapedefaults><o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10.65pt;"><span style=""></span>Peter was one of Jesus closest apostles. We might know more about him than we do any other figure in the New Testament, outside of Jesus himself. And yet, time and time again, Peter ends up displaying his shortsightedness and immaturity.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /><span style="font-size: 10.65pt;"><span style=""></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10.65pt;"><span style=""></span>The most immature moment of Peter’s life—the time when he was spiritually weakest—likely came when Jesus needed him the most. When Jesus was arrested and carried off to the cross, Peter followed. He would later buckle under pressure and deny association with Jesus. Some of the circumstances regarding Peter’s situation are similar to ones we face when we make weak and immature decisions. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10.65pt;"><span style=""> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10.65pt; font-weight: bold;">
<br /></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10.65pt; font-weight: bold;">Jesus was taken from the disciples (Matthew 26:47-56).</span><span style="font-size: 10.65pt;"> Jesus was obviously important to the disciples as they followed him around for almost three years. They heard his teachings and saw his miracles. Peter’s faith was built upon his direct interaction with Jesus. His overall faithfulness is to be commended; but he failed to be strong when Jesus was taken away from him.<o:p></o:p><span style=""></span>
<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10.65pt;">
<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10.65pt;">Most everyone develops their personal faith because someone else influences them in that direction. Yet, basing faith </span><span style="font-size: 10.65pt; font-style: italic;">only </span><span style="font-size: 10.65pt;">on someone else will prove detrimental when tested. This is one reason many young people fall away upon leaving home—their sources of influence, support, and encouragement are no long around. May we respond with strength when our faith is tested. May we train and strengthen young people to handle this necessary part of growing up.</span><span style="font-size: 10.65pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10.65pt;"><span style=""> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10.65pt; font-weight: bold;">
<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10.65pt; font-weight: bold;">The crowd was pressuring Peter (Matthew 26:69, 71, 73).</span><span style="font-size: 10.65pt;"> When Peter claimed he had nothing to do with Jesus, he was prompted on all three occasions by someone in the crowd. This was a crowd, by the way, who was trying to condemn Jesus. No matter his motives for being there, Peter was in the midst of the wrong crowd. And he couldn’t handle their pressure.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10.65pt;"><span style=""> </span>
<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10.65pt;">With good reason, we emphasize the dangers of peer pressure to our young people. Young or old, we should all remember warnings about evil companions from Solomon (ie, Prov. 22:24-25) and Paul (1 Cor. 15:33). Being a part of the wrong crowd will lead us in the wrong direction. Likewise, not being prepared with spiritual strength will leave us defenseless when we’re in unavoidable situations with ungodly people. If we’re going to be spiritually mature, we must have the strength to stand up and stand out for good, no matter who else is around.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10.65pt;"><span style=""> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10.65pt; font-weight: bold;">
<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10.65pt; font-weight: bold;">Peter was forced to choose his allegiance (Matthew 26:69-75).</span><span style="font-size: 10.65pt;"> Not only was Peter in the midst of the wrong crowd, but he was forced to choose his true allegiance. He couldn’t remain neutral. He had been with Jesus or he hadn’t. Peter’s decision to deny Jesus is heartbreaking because it went against his earlier claim of faithfulness (Mt. 26:35). <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10.65pt;"><span style=""> </span>
<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10.65pt;">The true strength of our faith is evident when it is tested. Football players don’t know the effectiveness of strength training until they’re blocking or tackling an opposing player. Marathon runners don’t know the effectiveness of their training until they push themselves for mile after mile. Likewise, we will have our faith tested. We will prove ourselves genuine or phony. We must develop the strength to choose Christ no matter the cost.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10.65pt;"><span style=""> </span>
<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10.65pt;">In order to learn from Peter’s example, we must commit to developing healthy spiritual habits and attitudes that give us true spiritual strength.</span><span style="font-size: 10.65pt; color: rgb(51, 102, 204);"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: verdana;">Stay tuned for Part 2, "Peter: A Case Study in Maturity."
<br /></span></span>Joeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33497522.post-52190380457830557052008-11-05T14:04:00.005-06:002008-11-05T16:04:05.538-06:00About Last Night...I feel strongly about our recent elections. Though many of you do also, I'm sure my opinions aren't of great value to you at a time like this. The beauty is that our opinions all count as "1" when we vote. And we'll all stand on judgment before God having to answer for how we used our blessings (including the right to vote). There, who says we need 'change' to have equality ;)?<br /><br />Just a couple of things, if you don't mind...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">America is great not because of <span style="font-style: italic;">who </span>we elect with our votes, but because we <span style="font-style: italic;">can</span> vote. </span>We need to carefully consider how much weight we put on the shoulders of men. No one man has caused our shortcomings and no one man can lead us out of them. We need to thank God that we live in a country where our voices matter. Additionally, the freedoms that grant us the right to vote also give us opportunities to easily teach others about Jesus Christ. I have to think that if we as Christians were doing our part in helping those in need and sharing the good news, there would be less of a need to vote for someone based largely on social reasons.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">One more thing about this...if you threatened to move before or after the election based on the outcome (I personally have read several regarding both candidates), what country exists that has blessings, opportunities, and freedoms to a greater (or even same) degree as our own? Canada, Mexico, and so on have their own problems--and they're worse than our problems. Let's not be stupid about this stuff...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">God's purpose is not to protect America or spread democracy, but to protect the church and spread the gospel. </span>I'm a proud American. However, I need to remember that the church existed--and thrived--prior to 1776. Additionally, if this nation ever ceases to exist, the church will still exist (Daniel 2:44). It's very comforting to always know that God is in control and that He takes care of His people (ie, Heb. 13:5). However, I need to remember that America is not "His people." It's tempting to think God has a great purpose in keeping this nation strong for millenniums to come, but He's not told us that in His word. Therefore, I need to be careful in assuming such. I pray that God will bless America; not because God needs America, but because America needs God.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I have been hypocritical.</span> This is a more humorous approach, but one that I probably needed to come to grips about. Over the past several months, I easily decided for whom I would cast my vote based on some simple logic. I always want to vote for the man (or woman) who stands up for morality and integrity and who exhibits those things in his or her life. Of the two main candidates, it's obvious there's only one who comes close to doing so. I am appalled at the complete lack of accountability and honesty that's put forward by one candidate, and how so many Americans aren't bothered by such.<br /><br />Let it be known however, that some 22 months ago I celebrated a new era of 'change' and 'hope' on the sidelines of the Alabama Crimson Tide. I can see how it is easy to overlook what we think is important when we stand to benefit directly from a person's work. In no way do I approve of how dishonest Nick Saban looked when he left Miami; in no way do I approve of his choice of words when he's fired up. But, I am presently glad he's coaching my team and not yours.* So, I do admit to being inconsistent with my approach to the election this year. It's something I'll try to work on...for now, I wish Obama (& Saban) the best in the near future.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The LORD looks down from heaven;<br />he sees all the children of man;<br />from where he sits enthroned he looks out<br />on all the inhabitants of the earth,<br />he who fashions the hearts of them all<br />and observes all their deeds.<br />The king is not saved by his great army;<br />a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.<br />The war horse is a false hope for salvation,<br />and by its great might it cannot rescue.<br /><br />Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him,<br />on those who hope in this steadfast love,<br />that he may deliver their soul from death<br />and keep them alive in famine.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span>Psalm 33:13-19<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">* Comparing Obama & Saban is really not fair...to Saban. He came in with a lot more experience and is already following through with his promises.</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div></div>Joeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33497522.post-76476209866880247712008-10-27T15:30:00.002-05:002008-10-27T15:51:33.995-05:00Trying to Post...But blogger keeps acting up when I do...<br /><br />I really don't feel like going through a bunch of support mess to figure out the problem...this is supposed to be user-friendly.<br /><br />I'm not doing anything yet, but I did open up a WordPress account.Joeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33497522.post-71739841433272880712008-06-09T15:33:00.002-05:002008-06-09T15:40:56.725-05:00But It's the Prom!This is one of the best reads I've ran across in a while. I appreciate all that Brother Steve Higginbotham does in the kingdom; I'm especially grateful for his handling of this issue. I'll be running this in our bulletin next spring.<br /><br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">Well, dancing certainly has not become any more moral over the years. If anything, the modern dance is more sensuous today than it ever was...So then, what then has changed? What has changed are the attitudes and respect (or lack of) God’s people have for His will. Some apparently seem to be more willing to justify their “pet” sins than they are willing to justify God’s high moral standard.</blockquote><br /><a href="http://preachinghelp.org/?p=42">But It's the Prom!</a> (<a href="http://preachinghelp.org/">preachinghelp.org</a>)Joeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33497522.post-33188078641570377522008-06-06T06:41:00.002-05:002008-06-06T08:35:47.979-05:00How to Be on Time Every TimeLifehack.org ran this back in the middle of May. It has some good helpful advice. I still struggle with being on time and with estimating how long tasks will take. Have a great weekend.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/how-to-be-on-time-every-time.html">How to Be On Time Every Time</a> (<a href="http://www.lifehack.org/">Lifehack.org</a>)Joeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33497522.post-61614187164530172312008-06-04T09:30:00.000-05:002008-06-04T09:32:05.257-05:00LeadershipListened to a <a href="http://www.catalystspace.com/default.aspx">Catalyst</a> Podcast yesterday. In the intro, there's this quote by Andy Stanley:<br /><blockquote><br />Leadership is a stewardship. It is temporary. And you're accountable.</blockquote>Joeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33497522.post-63742397989364489932008-06-03T09:10:00.000-05:002008-06-03T09:11:50.737-05:00Fun & Helpful Flickr ToolI love the online photo community <a href="http://www.flickr.com/">Flickr</a>. It's a great place for finding and uploading digital copies of interesting photographs. We even have an official <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/connect2theworld/">Midway Youth Flickr Group</a>.<br /><br />I ran across a site called <a href="http://www.taggalaxy.de/">Tag Galaxy</a> the other day that makes finding useful photographs both easy and fun. Enter a photo tag, and start clicking on various "subtags." Eventually you can view the photos on the globe containing all the tags you selected. You can even open individual photos in Flickr.Joeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33497522.post-15183497793943678612008-06-02T13:55:00.003-05:002008-06-02T22:31:47.561-05:00Stuff Christians Like<a href="http://stuffchristianslike.blogspot.com/">Stuff Christians Like</a> (SCL) is one of my favorite blog reads of the moment. It is a humorous approach to the daily lives of those who profess to follow Christ. Essentially, it is an attempt to "make fun" of some of the eccentricities of Christians. Some of them reflect important truths while some are about as random as it seems possible. Obviously, I don't agree with all of the conclusions and "theology" found within the posts, and it's likely you won't as well. Nevertheless, it is refreshing and worth contemplating...and laughing at.<br /><br />A recent favorite: <a href="http://stufffchristianslike.blogspot.com/2008/05/250-unicorn-hymn-or-worship-song.html">#250, The unicorn hymn or worship song.</a>Joeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33497522.post-78706646144360205092008-06-02T10:07:00.006-05:002008-06-02T10:32:12.862-05:00ESV Study BibleIt's been a while in the making, but it's about time for the release of the ESV Study Bible. It's not scheduled for release until October 2008, but there's info out about it (and even a sample of Luke's gospel).<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1eFqHJPqhL8gwFTahdm8UVMRQRx8_p160PAE8cmfOfHsigBBcYQWtuELhjRYHjvtq-4q3DFG-4HLIQmH-nPE07o1bhYdB-uVKf7OL9O55FijpyqSbD2xcC0KSvtaBvKJgVBp/s1600-h/esvsb-feature.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1eFqHJPqhL8gwFTahdm8UVMRQRx8_p160PAE8cmfOfHsigBBcYQWtuELhjRYHjvtq-4q3DFG-4HLIQmH-nPE07o1bhYdB-uVKf7OL9O55FijpyqSbD2xcC0KSvtaBvKJgVBp/s320/esvsb-feature.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207307038815330370" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.esvstudybible.org/">ESV Study Bible Home</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bibledesignblog.com/2008/04/a-glimpse-of-th.html">ESV Study Bible Preview at Bible Design & Binding</a> (one of my favorite "time-wasting" places)<br /><br />Currently, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">Amazon</a> is running the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/ESV-Study-Bible-Hardcover/dp/1433502410/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1212166935&sr=1-4">ESV Study Bible at 36% off</a>. Of course, you'll have to wait until October before it ships. It's available in several bindings, not just the hardcover pictured here.Joeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33497522.post-88577921294071544662008-05-30T17:59:00.004-05:002008-06-02T10:03:28.216-05:00Celebrity Birthdays (On Your Birthday)This past Saturday (May 31) was my birthday. One of the coolest things about birthdays is checking to see who else has the same birthday. I have at least three friends that have the same birthday, so that's cool. Celebrity birthdays are awesome too.<br /><br />Check out some of the more famous folks who were brought into the world on the same day:<br />- A poet (<span style="font-style: italic;">Walt Whitman</span>, 1819)<br />- A pope (<span style="font-style: italic;">Pius XI</span>, 1857)<br />- A prince (<span style="font-style: italic;">Rainier of Monaco</span>, 1923: married Grace Kelley)<br />- Musicians (<span style="font-style: italic;">Peter Yarrow</span>, 1938: Peter, Paul, & Mary; <span style="font-style: italic;">John Bonham</span>, 1948: dead drummer, Led Zeppelin; <span style="font-style: italic;">Johnny Paycheck</span>, 1941)<br />- Actors & Actresses (<span style="font-style: italic;">Clint Eastwood</span>, 1930; <span style="font-style: italic;">Tom Berenger</span>, 1950; <span style="font-style: italic;">Lea Thompson</span>, 1961; <span style="font-style: italic;">Brooke Shields</span>, 1965; <span style="font-style: italic;">Colin Ferrell</span>, 1976)<br />- Athletes (<span style="font-style: italic;">Joe Namath</span>, 1943; <span style="font-style: italic;">Kenny Lofton</span>, 1967; <span style="font-style: italic;">Jake Peavy</span>, 1981)<br /><br />Pretty impressive list, eh? Doubt any of them listed <span style="font-style: italic;">me</span> on their blog as having their same birthday :).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.celebrity-link.com/birthdays.html">Celebrity Link: Birthdays</a>Joeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33497522.post-2540461976091091162008-05-30T17:45:00.002-05:002008-05-30T17:54:13.199-05:00Most Recent Blogging RevelationThis comes a little late considering I've set this thing up and have posted off and on for a while, but I'm now convinced I'm not a blogger. I <span style="font-style: italic;">love</span> to read (good) blogs, but I'm not sure I have the drive (or the interesting life) to maintain one to the standards I think necessary.<br /><br />That being said, I'm <span style="font-style: italic;">not </span>closing my blog down. I'm going to "tilt" the purpose of it slightly though. Since I <span style="font-style: italic;">do</span> love to read good stuff here on the internet, I'll just post links to the good stuff I'm reading. We'll see how it goes...thanks for reading and for your interest in spiritual things.<br /><br />Joey :)Joeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33497522.post-70809032032848525952008-02-08T12:50:00.000-06:002008-02-08T12:52:48.812-06:00Life-Changing Love (Part 2) -- 02.03.08 Bulletin Article<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSU31zFT8IOQYyxrzKEECLQEZi2EblRLjDknn3eHE1kxGfE9WY8ZZGmRCYnfXAFV7bn36a0lG11f5QuodXuY2yGzVSMgG64AuVRtbSlmlKYnnfFPoCIxxp1IHHlCnNhfIZr-v/s1600-h/4.jpg"> </a> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 125%; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span style=""></span></span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 125%; font-family: Verdana;">Last week, we looked at three of six aspects of the love Jesus shared with the Samaritan woman at the well, as recorded in John 4. This is an important study because of how the woman responded to Jesus’ love: she changed her life and then went and brought others to Jesus. This week, we’ll notice the final three aspects of Jesus’ life-changing love.<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 125%; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span style=""></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 125%; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span style=""></span>Love teaches the truth (John 4:17-24). </span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 125%; font-family: Verdana;">Teaching the truth about adultery to an adulterous woman was not easy. As a Jew, teaching the truth about worship to a Samaritan was not easy. Jesus was not argumentative in his approach, but he made sure to address the truth that needed to be addressed. We should be willing to courageously discuss people’s relationship to sin (Acts 8:18-24). We must also teach the truth in doctrinal matters (1 Tim. 1:3-7).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 125%; font-family: Verdana;"><span style=""> </span>It’s all too common to hear people say that we need to water down the truth (or discover “new” truth) in</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSU31zFT8IOQYyxrzKEECLQEZi2EblRLjDknn3eHE1kxGfE9WY8ZZGmRCYnfXAFV7bn36a0lG11f5QuodXuY2yGzVSMgG64AuVRtbSlmlKYnnfFPoCIxxp1IHHlCnNhfIZr-v/s1600-h/4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 233.28px; height: 174.96px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSU31zFT8IOQYyxrzKEECLQEZi2EblRLjDknn3eHE1kxGfE9WY8ZZGmRCYnfXAFV7bn36a0lG11f5QuodXuY2yGzVSMgG64AuVRtbSlmlKYnnfFPoCIxxp1IHHlCnNhfIZr-v/s320/4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164684034961699090" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 125%; font-family: Verdana;"> order to reach people with the gospel. However, we can’t reach people with Christ if we don’t teach what Christ taught, endorsed, and inspired. True love teaches the truth, no matter how “offensive” some find it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 125%; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span style=""> </span>Love reflects its source (John 4:19-20, 25).</span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 125%; font-family: Verdana;"> After their discussion about her marriages, she clearly knew he was more than “just another Jew”—telling people their secrets can do that. Their discussion about worship caused her to think about the coming Messiah. Through their conversation, she knew Jesus was special. Even though he had to specifically tell her he was the Christ, her mind was turned toward God and she knew this man was like Him. Through interaction with us, the world should know to whom we belong (Acts 4:13). Our lives and our compassion should display to others where (more correctly “from whom”) our</span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 125%; font-family: Verdana;"> love originates (1 Jn. 4:7-8).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 125%; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span style=""> </span>Love introduces people to Christ (John 4:26). </span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 125%; font-family: Verdana;">She set him up with an opportunity to tell </span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 125%; font-family: Verdana; font-style: italic;">exactly</span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 125%; font-family: Verdana;"> who he was by mentioning the Messiah (Christ). Our love for souls should be looking toward the goal of introducing others to the Savior. Our mission is to bring souls to </span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 125%; font-family: Verdana; font-style: italic;">Him</span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 125%; font-family: Verdana;"> (2 Cor. 4:5-7). It is not about us, but about the power </span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 125%; font-family: Verdana; font-style: italic;">Christ</span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 125%; font-family: Verdana;"> can have in the lives of people.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 125%; font-family: Verdana;"><span style=""> </span>Our love for others is not fully expressed until we give others the opportunity to know Christ as their Savior.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 125%; font-family: Verdana;"><span style=""> </span>May we have a great week sharing Jesus’ love with those around us!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=""><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>Joeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33497522.post-49104954721901772942008-02-08T12:28:00.000-06:002008-02-08T12:50:33.278-06:00Life-Changing Love (Part 1) -- 01.27.08 Bulletin Article<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"> </p><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >One of the most inspirational accounts in the New Testament involves a sinful woman who goes into a nearby town telling everyone about Jesus (John 4:28). Those townspeople follow her to meet Jesus and then become believers in Christ themselves (John 4:42). We should follow in her example on a daily basis. Why was she so successful? She changed her life. Why did she change her life? She met Jesus at a well. Jesus shows in one afternoon conversation how love is indeed life-changing. Let’s notice some important aspects of his life-changing love:<o:p></o:p></span><span style="line-height: 125%; font-weight: bold;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br />Love is obligated to act (John 4:4).</span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" > The statement in vs. 4 </span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >is true geographically, but it is also interesting to consider “conscientiously.” Could Jesus have </span><span style="line-height: 125%; font-style: italic;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >had </span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >to pass through Samaria because the Samaritans needed to know the Messiah (Christ) was here? It is certainly possible. If truly love others around us, we should feel the inward obligation and burden to share the love of Christ with them. Peter and John told the Jewish council, “we cannot but speak of what we’ve seen and heard.” <o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span>A Mercedes-Benz executive was once asked why they chose </span><span style="line-height: 125%; font-style: italic;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >not </span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >to patent their new safety system. In response, he said, “Some things in life are too important </span><span style="line-height: 125%; font-style: italic;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >not</span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" > to share.” Do we feel with same burden with the gospel and the love of Christ today?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX130BKddvQaMfvkM2mxMaS1yHjSz61oLcyb2mYPm25I97lJ8WbGV2Vm5WK2v-IHmFOB3ByrnxxBFksfm0EeFmSOqgTYLdeyAB5hwfvzFSOO-aXRXbd8vr6Z7l6P4ShOnh9zzk/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 188.957px; height: 141.718px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX130BKddvQaMfvkM2mxMaS1yHjSz61oLcyb2mYPm25I97lJ8WbGV2Vm5WK2v-IHmFOB3ByrnxxBFksfm0EeFmSOqgTYLdeyAB5hwfvzFSOO-aXRXbd8vr6Z7l6P4ShOnh9zzk/s320/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164682501658374402" border="0" /></a></span><span style="line-height: 125%; font-weight: bold;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Love sees potential in </span><span style="line-height: 125%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >everyone</span><span style="line-height: 125%; font-weight: bold;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" > (John 4:7, 28-30, 39-41)</span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >. On a very simple level, Jesus saw potential in the woman to provide him with water. On a much more powerful level, he could see her potential as a messenger to the Samaritans. (Remember, there are at least three reasons his discussion would have been looked down upon: talking to a woman, talking to a Samaritan, and talking to an adulterer.) There were plenty of reasons that </span><span style="line-height: 125%; font-style: italic;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >could </span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >have kept Jesus from sharing his message with her. Yet, He didn’t let first-century barriers keep Him from believing in her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Today, God sees unimaginable potential in each of us (Rom. 5:8). We know that He gave His </span><span style="line-height: 125%; font-style: italic;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >most </span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >(Jesus on the cross) while we were at our </span><span style="line-height: 125%; font-style: italic;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >least </span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >(still sinners). We must see everyone with the eyes of Jesus: knowing that everyone has value in Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="line-height: 125%; font-weight: bold;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span>Love views physical opportunities as spiritual opportunities (John 4:10, 13-14).</span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" > Both needed physical water, but Jesus also knew </span><span style="line-height: 125%; font-style: italic;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >she</span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" > needed spiritual water. He taught her that spiritual life is more important than water—one of the most vital substances in the physical world. Valuable spiritual doors may first appear as physical opportunities (1 Cor. 16:8-9). We should be aware of our surroundings so that we can use our everyday conversations to God’s glory. Every opportunity throughout the day is an opportunity to reach people with Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span>Hope you have a great week in His service...let’s share the life-changing love of Christ with the world!<o:p></o:p></span></p>Joeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33497522.post-5067281647335733622007-12-21T20:55:00.000-06:002007-12-21T21:07:03.402-06:00“Irrational Prejudice Against Red Ryder & His Peacemaker…”<span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" >If you tune to the cable TV channel TBS anytime duri</span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" >ng the 24-hour-period between 7:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and </span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" >7:00 p.m. Christmas, you will be graced with what has become an undeniable Christmas movie classic: </span><span style="line-height: 125%; text-decoration: underline;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" >A Christmas Story</span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" >. That low-budget 1940’s holiday flashback (made in 1983) contains some of the most genius and innocent humor that you’ll find in Christmas flicks. It has always been a favorite of mine. As such, here are some important spiritual lessons we can learn from its stories:<o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style=""> </span></span><span style="line-height: 125%; font-weight: bold;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" >Children are always paying attention to what you say.</span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" > When Ralphie Parker is helping his dad fix a tire problem, he loses the lug nuts and screams an obscenity (the movie references a chocolaty d</span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" >essert instea</span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" >d). Upon washing out his mouth, his mom presses him as to where he heard the word. The adult narrator says he heard his dad say it many times a day; he buckles under the pressure an</span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" >d instead blames a friend.<span style=""> </span>Unbeknownst to Mr. Parker, his son Ralphie heard much of what he said—no matter how good or bad. It was the influence of those expletives that led Ralphie to curse in disgust when fixing the tire.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style=""> </span>Do we remember that our young people hear every word that we say</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUi7pPk1LcgYaQy5EjD439EwEOuFNL0xEfxLSR_s3bGVuTAB4-S6jZ7247J1bIEcnpTc6VmpIZb4ty3Z1nxWnxbnxb3qVkMl100lDSsI4e15qbEkaRoIWgsq7ZDJ2L1AAXFYT7/s1600-h/christmas+story+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 149.394px; height: 100.383px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUi7pPk1LcgYaQy5EjD439EwEOuFNL0xEfxLSR_s3bGVuTAB4-S6jZ7247J1bIEcnpTc6VmpIZb4ty3Z1nxWnxbnxb3qVkMl100lDSsI4e15qbEkaRoIWgsq7ZDJ2L1AAXFYT7/s320/christmas+story+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146627670930099122" border="0" /></a><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" > when in our presence? We are teaching our children something, whether or not we know it (Prov. 22:6).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style=""> </span></span><span style="line-height: 125%; font-weight: bold;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" >Giving in to peer pressure will leave you out in the cold.</span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" > During school recess one day, Schwartz (one of Ralphie’s friends) talks another friend into sticking his tongue to an iron flagpole (using the dreaded “Triple-Dog-Dare”). The tongue sticks, the bell rings, and the young boy is left all alone in the cold with a frostbitten tongue.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style=""> </span>Peer pressure to do things that are wrong or dangerous can leave us in bad situations. As Christians, we are rightfully warned time and time again to be careful about our company (Ex. 23:2).</span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" > <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style=""> </span></span><span style="line-height: 125%; font-weight: bold;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" >Some things aren’t all they’re expected to be.</span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" > This may be one of the biggest (if not the biggest) theme that runs throughout the movie. From Ralphie’s experience with the Little Orphan Annie decoder, to his visit with Santa, to hand-sewn gifts from his aunt, and finally to his eye’s fate with a BB, we see many built-up scenarios that turn out to be less than imagined.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style=""> </span>Many things in the world are presented with an aura of being highly desirable and necessary. Yet</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qgY5QK8fjT256iXceelLpVCnC0Culkym4EB5GCO8tdIDIV6E_WMcZsrRR9Rrq8f6123X5Bb5v_0mUAscZPrhIMjSSRDV9Ag5d2SbQXOnXxbXJL9N1xpRtBFWDIufsjdnl3nU/s1600-h/christmas+story+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 149.394px; height: 100.383px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qgY5QK8fjT256iXceelLpVCnC0Culkym4EB5GCO8tdIDIV6E_WMcZsrRR9Rrq8f6123X5Bb5v_0mUAscZPrhIMjSSRDV9Ag5d2SbQXOnXxbXJL9N1xpRtBFWDIufsjdnl3nU/s320/christmas+story+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146628285110422482" border="0" /></a><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" > there are often hidden negative consequences to selling out to the pursuit of status-building “stu</span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" >ff”. As Christians, we must remember to invest in our spiritual futures before seeking the temporary</span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" > things of the present (Matt. 6:19-21).</span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" > </span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style=""> </span></span><span style="line-height: 125%; font-weight: bold;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" >Much of the counsel given by previous generations ends up being helpful.</span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" > Throughout the movie, Ralphie expresses his adamant desire for an “</span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" >Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action</span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" > Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle.” Every time he brings it up, he is met with a response of, “You’ll shoot your eye out.” Amazingly, he receives the</span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" > BB gun for Christmas and that very morning, shoots a metal sign. A BB bounces back and hits his</span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" > eye knocking off his glasses. Although these adults’ warnings were met with cynicism, they still proved to be accurate.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style=""> </span>When previous generations attempt to lend their advice to us as younger people, we can often take it lightly. However, they likely have our best interest in mind and they do have years of wisdom and experience. This is the reason God placed us into their instructional care—generally speaking—as Paul mentions in Titus 2:4-8. We spend too much time trying to prove others wrong that we forget to simply do what’s right.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style=""> </span>We hope everyone has a safe and memorable holiday season!</span><span style="line-height: 125%;font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p>Joeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33497522.post-61402898595807176222007-11-08T23:15:00.000-06:002007-11-20T15:26:00.606-06:00Pre-New Year's Resolution<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style=""></span>If you’re visiting today for Friends & Family Day, we’re so glad you’re here! Make yourself comfortable and let us get to know you better. You are important to the church and to the Lord (Matthew 5:14-16)!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style=""></span>It is an extremely popular practice to use New Year’s day as the starting point for life-changing promises—or resolutions. Although it’s </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:Verdana;" >always</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> appropriate to improve our lives, we need to examine our attitudes about that improvement. If it’s important enough to begin at a later date, it’s important enough for today (Ephesians. 5:16). One of the most frequent New Year’s resolutions for Christians is to read the Bible through in the coming year. The task itself does not require taking “big bites” but rather consistently reading 3-4 chapters per day. Because we have spent so many years </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:Verdana;" >not</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> reading our Bible’s regularly, it’s often difficult to keep on pace throughout the year.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style=""> </span>Since reading our Bibles is such a valuable habit for our spiritual well-being, let’s do something about it </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:Verdana;" >today</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">! Let’s make a commitment to reading the New Testament </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:Verdana;" >before</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> the end of 2007. If we read —on average—less than 9 chapters per day , we will have read the entire New Testament in 30 days!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style=""> </span>Over the next 4 weeks, I’ll run a reminder about our readings in this space and will write something about the material read during the previous week. Please pray for strength to commit to this opportunity. Set aside a specific time of day to read the Bible, find a comfortable translation , and don’t let anything hold you back! Fathers, commit to reading these passages in your home each morning or evening. Check in with other families to encourage their progress.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style=""> </span>May God bless you and your family as you commit to His Word!<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 125%;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">updated (11.20):</span> Here's a link to the "<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/88908652@N00/2050359861/">Read the New Testament in 30 Days</a>" schedule taken from Paul Sain's "Overview of the New Testament in 30 Days"<br /></span></p>Joeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33497522.post-50609077726703732022007-10-25T16:15:00.000-05:002007-11-05T15:55:25.867-06:00A Better Question to Ask -- 10.28.2007 Bulletin Article<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"></span>On a constant basis, prominent athletes make the news for all sorts of legal problems. College athletes do many of the same things as other college students, but it makes the news because they are talented athletes.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>In the professional ranks, we’ve seen front page stories dealing with O.J. Simpson (murder), Ray Lewis (murder), Kobe Bryant (rape), Michael Vick (dog fighting), and O.J. again (burglary and stealing). The first three were acquitted or had the case dropped. Vick has pled guilty. And the second Simpson case is still ongoing. All of this activity has caused ESPN to hire Roger Cossack from Court TV as its senior legal analyst. Needless to say, he is a busy man.<?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"></span>When incidents happen on the college level, media sources and fans are quick to ask, “Why doesn’t that coach do a better job of disciplining his players?” or “Why won’t the school to something to make its players behave?” For pros, we ask, “What is the league (NFL, NBA, etc.) going to do get better conduct out of the players?” or “How long will so-and-so be suspended from his team’s games?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRzuPOZ8M0KHLMZqL8iL6hteIQmV-x8eJZc8BQeIXhfcNsbkGsVCca1oy9yIJ8NXYqNTZVX-9dROMo600RDj66lO5iU4O-h5zOFnxwmliH3YuBvZMBuGff-0Lswj3OzjmGN7-/s1600-h/figures+question+mark.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125395565798388162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRzuPOZ8M0KHLMZqL8iL6hteIQmV-x8eJZc8BQeIXhfcNsbkGsVCca1oy9yIJ8NXYqNTZVX-9dROMo600RDj66lO5iU4O-h5zOFnxwmliH3YuBvZMBuGff-0Lswj3OzjmGN7-/s320/figures+question+mark.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Although all of these are pertinent questions in time, they fail to recognize an important level of responsibility. The responsibility for people’s (athletes or not) actions belongs to the country’s legal system and cultural framework before it belongs to a sports team, college, or league. The better question is, “What can we do as a nation—or as a culture—to keep people from murdering, forcing animals to fight to the death, etc.?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">As the New Testament church, we must make sure to </span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-family:Verdana;" >ask</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> the right question so that we can find the right </span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-family:Verdana;" >answers</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">. One of the most prominent (and alarming) questions in church circles is, “Why are we as the church losing our young people?” Several studies have supposedly been conducted to determine that young Christians are falling away at a rate of anywhere from 50% to 90% once they graduate high school. The actual figure is not as important as the scary trend it reflects. Although the church needs to ask the question and do all it can do help young people create a long-term commitment to Christ, asking </span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-family:Verdana;" >only</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> that question negates a better one. The better question to ask is, “Why are our </span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-family:Verdana;" >homes</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> losing our young people?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">When God created the family, his design was for </span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-family:Verdana;" >it</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> to ensure that the following generations learned about Him and lived a life of faithful devotion in His service (Deut. 6:7, 20-25). This was God’s purpose long before Christ died for the church. If parents feel the church has let them down by not raising their children properly, that reflects a misunderstanding of God’s purpose for the home. If churches give in to the idea that </span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-family:Verdana;" >they </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">need to raise children in the Lord, then those statistics are unlikely to improve. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"></span>We</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> need to qualify a couple of things: First, just because a church has Youth Minister or a Youth Program does not mean they have given in to this pressure. Second, the church </span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-family:Verdana;" >does</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> have a responsibility to teach and encourage young people in their service to the Lord (Titus 2:4, 6). However, that responsibility is secondary to that of the home.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"></span>Th</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">e ideal—and most successful—approach is one that uses the church’s resources and efforts to help parents raise young people in the Lord. Parenting is hard, but it does not have to be done alone.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:+0;"></span>Let’s commit to asking and answering the best questions possible. Only then can work </span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-family:Verdana;" >together</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> to improve our efforts carrying out God’s will.</span></p>Joeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33497522.post-77368341937393718172007-10-19T10:36:00.001-05:002007-10-19T13:42:22.035-05:00Why Do We Wait -- Bulletin Article 10.21.2007<div><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Which is a better place to sleep, the couch or the bed? The answer is obvious. Beds provide more room, more comfort, and more durability. Although comfortable in the short term, couches are not designed for—and typically do not respond well to—long nights of sleep on a regular basis. Yet how often do we find ourselves drifting into sleep while laying on the couch, aware of the need to get up and go to bed...only to stay there and fall into a deep sleep? <?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p></span></span><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The other night, Amanda and I were watching TV as our night was ending. I had turned it over to watch </span><span style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline;font-family:Verdana;" >Survivorman</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> has the guy was stranded on Costa Rica and was attempting to survive for seven days all by himself. It is always intriguing to observe his resourcefulness and improvisation in the face of legitimately dangerous situations.</span></span><br /></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2lhdnncyQcEG0dL-tTLLnef_Tsj8UB7GWQTemeOzg86ubim6tvIa1DKPce10CkkQWw3mhDuCKrjFcdc4rjUk0B9ykJXUasC3VDOtAxAz1cctpXy1FVKTeLJ9V5x6zSkt1GqH/s1600-h/brown+sofa.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123119962531094162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2lhdnncyQcEG0dL-tTLLnef_Tsj8UB7GWQTemeOzg86ubim6tvIa1DKPce10CkkQWw3mhDuCKrjFcdc4rjUk0B9ykJXUasC3VDOtAxAz1cctpXy1FVKTeLJ9V5x6zSkt1GqH/s320/brown+sofa.jpg" border="0" /></a>I was beginning to feel it. My eyes were getting heavier and I was getting more still. I knew my body was ready for bed. Yet my mind was just interested enough in </span><span style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline;font-family:Verdana;" >Survivorman</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> to push it to the edge. Something about being in that state of sleep limbo can be really peaceful as well. So I stayed.</span></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">About an hour-and-a-half later, Amanda woke me up to tell me we needed to get up and actually go to bed. In spite of the appeal—at the time—to stay on the couch, sleeping in the bed was much more comfortable. It always is.</span></span><br /></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">In spite of knowing which place was better for sleeping, I still chose to stay in the more uncomfortable place. Knowing I would likely have the opportunity to get up later and actually go to the bed. Even though I knew what was in my best interest, I chose otherwise. As trivial of a concern as this is from a physical level, there’s a spiritual application.</span></span><br /></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Which is the better place to live, in Christ or out of Christ? The answer is obvious. Paul tells us that every spiritual blessing is located </span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-family:Verdana;" >in Christ </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">(Eph. 1:3). How many are located out of Christ? Zero. Surely no honest-thinking individual would look at life without Jesus and conclude that it is more comfortable and more appealing—</span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-family:Verdana;" >especially </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">in the long term—than life with Him. Yet too many of us spurn the opportunity to get up and follow Him. Too many of us have felt the comfort of Christ by obeying him, yet have wandered back to the “couch” of the world. Many of us enjoy being around Christians (those in Christ—Gal. 3:26-27) and doing Christ-like things, yet don’t have a personal relationship with Him. What a wonderful opportunity to conscientiously brush aside. Unlike my late night antics above, there is no certainty of a later time to get up and make things right. If we knowingly stare down the choice between Christ’s way and our way, and—even for a moment—choose our way, we are testing God’s grace, love, and mercy (Rom. 6:1-2). </span></span><br /></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">May we all have the strength to make the decision to follow Christ—right now. God bless...have a wonderful week!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p></div>Joeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763232982105994015noreply@blogger.com0