Quote of the Week
"True conversion gives a man pardon but does not make him presumptuous. True conversion gives a man perfect rest but it does not stop his progress. True conversion gives a man security but it does not allow him to leave off being watchful." -- Charles Spurgeon
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Go After the Young Men
Mark Driscoll suggests the Church should go after the young men.
"The problem is the Church today is just a bunch of nice, soft, tender, chickafied church boys. 60% of Christians are chicks and the 40% that are dudes are still sort of...chicks. It's just sad.
"We're looking around going, How come we're not innovative? Cause all the innovative dudes are home watching football or they're out making money or climbing a mountain or shooting a gun or working on their truck.
They look at the church like that's a nice thing for women and children. So the question is if you want to be innovative: How do you get young men? All this nonsense on how to grow the church. One issue: young men. That's it. That's the whole thing.
They're going to get married, make money, make babies, build companies, buy real estate. They're going to make the culture of the future. If you get the young men you win the war, you get everything. You get the families, the women, the children, the money, the business, you get everything. If you don't get the young men you get nothing."
Mark Driscoll suggests the Church should go after the young men.
"The problem is the Church today is just a bunch of nice, soft, tender, chickafied church boys. 60% of Christians are chicks and the 40% that are dudes are still sort of...chicks. It's just sad.
"We're looking around going, How come we're not innovative? Cause all the innovative dudes are home watching football or they're out making money or climbing a mountain or shooting a gun or working on their truck.
They look at the church like that's a nice thing for women and children. So the question is if you want to be innovative: How do you get young men? All this nonsense on how to grow the church. One issue: young men. That's it. That's the whole thing.
They're going to get married, make money, make babies, build companies, buy real estate. They're going to make the culture of the future. If you get the young men you win the war, you get everything. You get the families, the women, the children, the money, the business, you get everything. If you don't get the young men you get nothing."
Be Careful How You Measure Progress
I love this evangelism story from Bill Hybels. He spent years befriending his son's soccer coach, helping him with little things. It reminds me to be careful about how we measure progress and value -- in the kingdom of God we are usually wrong to be concerned about the rate at which spiritual progress happens.
I love this evangelism story from Bill Hybels. He spent years befriending his son's soccer coach, helping him with little things. It reminds me to be careful about how we measure progress and value -- in the kingdom of God we are usually wrong to be concerned about the rate at which spiritual progress happens.
Cheat the Church
Andy Stanley makes a leadership focus decision to cheat the church, rather than his family.
Maybe you and I need to think about what organizations we "cheat."
Andy Stanley makes a leadership focus decision to cheat the church, rather than his family.
Maybe you and I need to think about what organizations we "cheat."
Monday, August 14, 2006
Things I learned in the BWCA
My son and I spent several days in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area last week, traveling about 40 miles by canoe and portage, and camping along the way. Here are a few things I learned along the way:
This is a huge area, with lots of open space, and you're just the visitor there. Even the ducks know this. Certainly the bald eagles do.
It helps a lot when you son is as strong or stronger than you. 50 pound canoe, 50 pound packs, and a food pack, it adds up.
I took along my notebook and pen, assuming that I'd have tons of great ideas and insights. I prayed a lot, but didn't think about much to write down. Instead, I had a wonderful experience of "Be still, and know that I am God."
When wolf howls wake you up at 1am, you discover some urgency in your prayer that wasn't there when you laid down to go to sleep.
Our ancestors were tough! And how did they find there way around without topo maps, anyway? You would think someone would rig up a solar-powered neon "P" sign to mark these portage sites!
Minnesota mosquito legends are all true.
Teenagers recover faster than 44 year olds. I'm sure I knew that before, but this trip reinforced it.
There are some rocks and tree roots that no Thermarest mattress can make comfortable.
Coordinated paddling gets you there much faster, with less effort. Parenting is much easier when the kids cooperate, right? And our spiritual growth is much faster when we lay down our foolish defensive pride and let God work in and through us. Community life is better when we submit to the idea of paddling together.
The worst rocks are the ones that don't stick up out of the water, but are just below the surface. You don't see those until the last seconds, or until your canoe grinds over them.
The best way to have good conversations with your teenage son is to go with whatever he wants to talk about, and not try too hard to steer the conversation to where you think it should go.
We're eager to do it again, but willing to give it a year or so.
My son and I spent several days in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area last week, traveling about 40 miles by canoe and portage, and camping along the way. Here are a few things I learned along the way:
This is a huge area, with lots of open space, and you're just the visitor there. Even the ducks know this. Certainly the bald eagles do.
It helps a lot when you son is as strong or stronger than you. 50 pound canoe, 50 pound packs, and a food pack, it adds up.
I took along my notebook and pen, assuming that I'd have tons of great ideas and insights. I prayed a lot, but didn't think about much to write down. Instead, I had a wonderful experience of "Be still, and know that I am God."
When wolf howls wake you up at 1am, you discover some urgency in your prayer that wasn't there when you laid down to go to sleep.
Our ancestors were tough! And how did they find there way around without topo maps, anyway? You would think someone would rig up a solar-powered neon "P" sign to mark these portage sites!
Minnesota mosquito legends are all true.
Teenagers recover faster than 44 year olds. I'm sure I knew that before, but this trip reinforced it.
There are some rocks and tree roots that no Thermarest mattress can make comfortable.
Coordinated paddling gets you there much faster, with less effort. Parenting is much easier when the kids cooperate, right? And our spiritual growth is much faster when we lay down our foolish defensive pride and let God work in and through us. Community life is better when we submit to the idea of paddling together.
The worst rocks are the ones that don't stick up out of the water, but are just below the surface. You don't see those until the last seconds, or until your canoe grinds over them.
The best way to have good conversations with your teenage son is to go with whatever he wants to talk about, and not try too hard to steer the conversation to where you think it should go.
We're eager to do it again, but willing to give it a year or so.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Load Up Your MP3 Player!
Here's a free source for the New Testament as MP3 files. Enjoy the Word heard!
Here's a free source for the New Testament as MP3 files. Enjoy the Word heard!
Thursday, August 03, 2006
How to Respond to Mel Gibson
There's lots of buzz about Mel Gibson's remarks about Jews and being arrested for driving drunk. I don't know if this would have gotten so much media attention except that he is well-known for being a conservative Catholic.
How does the Christian community respond? Pound this out in USA Today headlines? Uhm, no.
I liked Tim Woody's recommendations.
There's lots of buzz about Mel Gibson's remarks about Jews and being arrested for driving drunk. I don't know if this would have gotten so much media attention except that he is well-known for being a conservative Catholic.
How does the Christian community respond? Pound this out in USA Today headlines? Uhm, no.
I liked Tim Woody's recommendations.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
One of Glenn's Most Embarrassing Moments
If you've got 11 minutes, I'll tell you about one of my most embarrassing moments -- and how God did me a huge favor by humbling me. Check it out here.
If you've got 11 minutes, I'll tell you about one of my most embarrassing moments -- and how God did me a huge favor by humbling me. Check it out here.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Good Song Lyrics
I think this is a Phillips, Craig, and Dean song. Good stuff!
Who am I that You are mindful of me?
That You hear me when I call
Is it true that You are thinking of me?
How you Love me
It's Amazing
Who am I that You are mindful of me?
That You hear me when I call
Is it true that You are thinking of me?
How you Love me
It's Amazing
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
He calls me friend
Who am I that You are mindful of me?
That You hear me when I call
Is it true that You are thinking of me?
How you Love me
It's Amazing,
so amazing, it's amazing
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
He calls me friend
God Almighty Lord of Glory
You have called me friend
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
He calls me friend
I think this is a Phillips, Craig, and Dean song. Good stuff!
Who am I that You are mindful of me?
That You hear me when I call
Is it true that You are thinking of me?
How you Love me
It's Amazing
Who am I that You are mindful of me?
That You hear me when I call
Is it true that You are thinking of me?
How you Love me
It's Amazing
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
He calls me friend
Who am I that You are mindful of me?
That You hear me when I call
Is it true that You are thinking of me?
How you Love me
It's Amazing,
so amazing, it's amazing
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
He calls me friend
God Almighty Lord of Glory
You have called me friend
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
He calls me friend
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Prayer Request
Brothers, would you please pray for me? I'm putting together a short series for a men's group on friendships. I will base the teaching on Barnabas. Please pray that I would reach more clarity on what the Lord wants me to bring to these dear brothers at this specific time. And ask the Lord to be at work in the hearts of men. Thanks!
Brothers, would you please pray for me? I'm putting together a short series for a men's group on friendships. I will base the teaching on Barnabas. Please pray that I would reach more clarity on what the Lord wants me to bring to these dear brothers at this specific time. And ask the Lord to be at work in the hearts of men. Thanks!
Friday, July 28, 2006
Pray for Chinese Christian Leaders
Four of our brothers, leaders in Chinese churches, have been sent to labor camps. Let's pray for our brothers and sisters in China, so that Jesus will be glorified more and more there.
Four of our brothers, leaders in Chinese churches, have been sent to labor camps. Let's pray for our brothers and sisters in China, so that Jesus will be glorified more and more there.
InstaVerse
Here's a nifty tool (free) that you can install on your PC: InstaVerse. If you type in a Bible verse reference in your word processor or email message, it will show you the full verse if you mouse "hover" over it. Available in many translations. Slick!
Here's a nifty tool (free) that you can install on your PC: InstaVerse. If you type in a Bible verse reference in your word processor or email message, it will show you the full verse if you mouse "hover" over it. Available in many translations. Slick!
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Thinking Clearly About "Moral Equivalency" in the Middle East
I have intentionally posted less frequently about politics and world events in the past few months. Israel's incursions into Lebanon to go after Hezbollah terrorists, and military attacks against Hamax positions and equipment, have generated a lot of muddy thinking by those who would prefer everyone "just get along."
So I gladly point you to Dennis Prager's recent column and this column from Michael Medved.
If terrorists in Toronto fire missiles at cities in the US, and Canada was unwilling or unable to put an end to them, do you think the US would not meet this threat this with military force?
I have intentionally posted less frequently about politics and world events in the past few months. Israel's incursions into Lebanon to go after Hezbollah terrorists, and military attacks against Hamax positions and equipment, have generated a lot of muddy thinking by those who would prefer everyone "just get along."
So I gladly point you to Dennis Prager's recent column and this column from Michael Medved.
If terrorists in Toronto fire missiles at cities in the US, and Canada was unwilling or unable to put an end to them, do you think the US would not meet this threat this with military force?
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Funny...But We Do This Kind of Thing
Here's a joke that makes a great point. (BTW, I've seen variations of this joke for Methodists and Lutherans.)
* * * *
I was walking across a bridge recently. I spied this fellow who looked like he was ready to jump off. So, I thought Id try to stall him until the authorities showed up. Don't jump! I said. Why not? he said. Nobody loves me.
God loves you, I said. You believe in God, don't you? Yes, I believe in God, he said.
Good, I said. Are you Christian or Jewish?
Christian, he said.
Me, too! I said. Protestant or Catholic?
Neither, he said.
What then? I said.
Baptist, he said.
Me, too! I said. Independent Baptist or Southern Baptist?
Independent Baptist, he said.
Me, too! I said. New Evangelical/Moderate Independent Baptist or Conservative Independent Baptist?
"Conservative Independent Baptist," he said.
"Me, too!" I said. "Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist or Lose-Your-Salvation Armenian Conservative Independent Baptist?"
"Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist," he said.
"Me, too!" I said. "Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist or Historical Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist?"
"Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist," he said.
"Me, too!" I said. "Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist or For Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist?" "Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist," he said.
"Me, too!" I said. "Unashamed Fundamentalist Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist or Strict Separation of Church and State Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist?" "Unashamed Fundamentalist Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist," he said.
"Me, too!" I said. "Pro-Disney Boycott Pro-Life Unashamed Fundamentalist Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist or Anti-Disney Boycott Pro-Choice Unashamed Fundamentalist Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist?" "Pro-Disney Boycott Pro-Life Unashamed Fundamentalist Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist," he said.
"Me, too!" I said. "KJV Only Pro-Disney Boycott Pro-Life Unashamed Fundamentalist Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist or Modern Versions Pro-Disney Boycott Pro-Life Unashamed Fundamentalist Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist?"
"MODERN VERSIONS Pro-Disney Boycott Pro-Life Unashamed Fundamentalist Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist" he said.
"Agghh!!! You heretic!" I said. And I pushed him over.
Here's a joke that makes a great point. (BTW, I've seen variations of this joke for Methodists and Lutherans.)
* * * *
I was walking across a bridge recently. I spied this fellow who looked like he was ready to jump off. So, I thought Id try to stall him until the authorities showed up. Don't jump! I said. Why not? he said. Nobody loves me.
God loves you, I said. You believe in God, don't you? Yes, I believe in God, he said.
Good, I said. Are you Christian or Jewish?
Christian, he said.
Me, too! I said. Protestant or Catholic?
Neither, he said.
What then? I said.
Baptist, he said.
Me, too! I said. Independent Baptist or Southern Baptist?
Independent Baptist, he said.
Me, too! I said. New Evangelical/Moderate Independent Baptist or Conservative Independent Baptist?
"Conservative Independent Baptist," he said.
"Me, too!" I said. "Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist or Lose-Your-Salvation Armenian Conservative Independent Baptist?"
"Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist," he said.
"Me, too!" I said. "Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist or Historical Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist?"
"Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist," he said.
"Me, too!" I said. "Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist or For Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist?" "Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist," he said.
"Me, too!" I said. "Unashamed Fundamentalist Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist or Strict Separation of Church and State Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist?" "Unashamed Fundamentalist Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist," he said.
"Me, too!" I said. "Pro-Disney Boycott Pro-Life Unashamed Fundamentalist Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist or Anti-Disney Boycott Pro-Choice Unashamed Fundamentalist Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist?" "Pro-Disney Boycott Pro-Life Unashamed Fundamentalist Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist," he said.
"Me, too!" I said. "KJV Only Pro-Disney Boycott Pro-Life Unashamed Fundamentalist Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist or Modern Versions Pro-Disney Boycott Pro-Life Unashamed Fundamentalist Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist?"
"MODERN VERSIONS Pro-Disney Boycott Pro-Life Unashamed Fundamentalist Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist" he said.
"Agghh!!! You heretic!" I said. And I pushed him over.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Shepherding and Leadership
If you're in a church leadership position, here's a helpful short article about the overlap between shepherding people and being a leader.
If you're in a church leadership position, here's a helpful short article about the overlap between shepherding people and being a leader.
Carved on the Palm of His Hands
I have been singing the hymn below frequently this past week. The lyric "my name is graven on his hands" comes from Isaiah 49:16. Some thoughts that occurred to me as I've meditated on this image:
* My name is carved on his palms, not scrawled there in ballpoint pen. It took significant purpose to put my name there. It's not going to wear off.
* Hands are remarkably sensitive. There would be some pain involved to carve my name there!
* If the Father has a question about Glenn Brooke for Jesus -- who is at his right hand interceding for me (Rom 8:34), Jesus will just hold out his hand to the Father. Question answered. And then they'll give each other a high five!
I have been singing the hymn below frequently this past week. The lyric "my name is graven on his hands" comes from Isaiah 49:16. Some thoughts that occurred to me as I've meditated on this image:
* My name is carved on his palms, not scrawled there in ballpoint pen. It took significant purpose to put my name there. It's not going to wear off.
* Hands are remarkably sensitive. There would be some pain involved to carve my name there!
* If the Father has a question about Glenn Brooke for Jesus -- who is at his right hand interceding for me (Rom 8:34), Jesus will just hold out his hand to the Father. Question answered. And then they'll give each other a high five!
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Great Hymn
I really enjoyed this hymn at PK this year. I was delighted to find that it dates from 1863! I was particular blessed by the refrain "my name is graven on His hands, my name is written on His hears" -- see Isaiah 49:16. Solid theology, Christ-centered praise!
I really enjoyed this hymn at PK this year. I was delighted to find that it dates from 1863! I was particular blessed by the refrain "my name is graven on His hands, my name is written on His hears" -- see Isaiah 49:16. Solid theology, Christ-centered praise!
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea.
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.
Behold Him there the risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
King of glory and of grace,
One in Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God!
Words: Charitie L. Bancroft, 1863.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Dual Destiny
Pastor Mark Batterson points out that we have a dual destiny.
"One destiny is universal and is to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. "
"The other destiny is unique, to become unlike anyone who has ever lived...The goal is for each of us to be a unique expression of praise to God."
(From his 7/5/06 Evotional email)
Pastor Mark Batterson points out that we have a dual destiny.
"One destiny is universal and is to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. "
"The other destiny is unique, to become unlike anyone who has ever lived...The goal is for each of us to be a unique expression of praise to God."
(From his 7/5/06 Evotional email)
Leadership Development in This Generation
If you are concerned about developing leaders today, then you should read this article.
Also buried in here is a useful insight about the American church today -- we're seeing God bless two structures: megachurches and niche churches. It corresponds to the success of the big box stores and the specialty stores. Reach everyone with the Gospel!
If you are concerned about developing leaders today, then you should read this article.
Also buried in here is a useful insight about the American church today -- we're seeing God bless two structures: megachurches and niche churches. It corresponds to the success of the big box stores and the specialty stores. Reach everyone with the Gospel!
Getting Rest
Perry Noble has incisive points about God's men getting rest:
1. It's biblical. What should it tell us that the "preserve the Sabbath" command is the longest of the 10 Commandments?
2. We're better at listening to God (and to others) when we're getting rest.
3. Rested men resist temptations.
Perry Noble has incisive points about God's men getting rest:
1. It's biblical. What should it tell us that the "preserve the Sabbath" command is the longest of the 10 Commandments?
2. We're better at listening to God (and to others) when we're getting rest.
3. Rested men resist temptations.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Christians Transforming Cities
A dear friend spent several years living in New York City, fellowshiping with Redeemer Church under Pastor Tim Keller. He was back there recently and emailed me this about his experience:
"Being back was a very emotional experience for me. The city itself is so different than it was when we were there. I firmly believe that our prayers were answered to remove the evil spiritual force field that surrounded NYC. We walked with our kids through a part of Harlem that I would never have done without kids before. Truly amazing."
Read Pastor Keller's recommendations about Christians living out Christ in communities in cities. Worth your time.
A dear friend spent several years living in New York City, fellowshiping with Redeemer Church under Pastor Tim Keller. He was back there recently and emailed me this about his experience:
"Being back was a very emotional experience for me. The city itself is so different than it was when we were there. I firmly believe that our prayers were answered to remove the evil spiritual force field that surrounded NYC. We walked with our kids through a part of Harlem that I would never have done without kids before. Truly amazing."
Read Pastor Keller's recommendations about Christians living out Christ in communities in cities. Worth your time.
Watch How You Criticize!
One of the most disheartening conversation points I hear from not-yet believers is when they ask why Christians don't get along with each other. "Why are there so many denominations?" "How come different Christian groups say their 'brand' is the only true Christianity?"
I believe that many well-intentioned people, zealous for truth, contribute to this perception by the way they publicly criticize other Christians and Christian groups. Name-calling, harshness, building a viewpoint on innuendo and rumor, and personal insults have no place in the Church. Jesus didn't do this, but Satan does. Let's be brothers of Christ, not act like children of the devil.
I recommend you read Brian MacLaren's comments about fair criticism.
One of the most disheartening conversation points I hear from not-yet believers is when they ask why Christians don't get along with each other. "Why are there so many denominations?" "How come different Christian groups say their 'brand' is the only true Christianity?"
I believe that many well-intentioned people, zealous for truth, contribute to this perception by the way they publicly criticize other Christians and Christian groups. Name-calling, harshness, building a viewpoint on innuendo and rumor, and personal insults have no place in the Church. Jesus didn't do this, but Satan does. Let's be brothers of Christ, not act like children of the devil.
I recommend you read Brian MacLaren's comments about fair criticism.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
PK 2006
I attended Promise Keepers in Des Moines this past weekend. Excellent!
Here's my confession about this PK event: I wasn't actually very excited about going, but was focusing on getting a couple of other guys -- you know, who really NEEDED it -- to the event. I was going primarily to get them there.
I needed it. I needed the humbling worship, the 2x4 whacks from the Holy Spirit as men taught, and the encouragement of being with my brothers in Christ.
I attended Promise Keepers in Des Moines this past weekend. Excellent!
Here's my confession about this PK event: I wasn't actually very excited about going, but was focusing on getting a couple of other guys -- you know, who really NEEDED it -- to the event. I was going primarily to get them there.
I needed it. I needed the humbling worship, the 2x4 whacks from the Holy Spirit as men taught, and the encouragement of being with my brothers in Christ.
Quote of the Week
"The left regularly charges America's conservative Christians with wanting to make America a 'theocracy,' being 'fascists' and/or being 'anti-Semites.' They are none of those things, and as a result, the battle against the real theocrats (Muslim fundamentalists), real fascists and real anti-Semites is compromised. The tragedy of all this is that when evils are defined down, good people are left verbally unarmed when the real evils present themselves." -- Dennis Prager
"The left regularly charges America's conservative Christians with wanting to make America a 'theocracy,' being 'fascists' and/or being 'anti-Semites.' They are none of those things, and as a result, the battle against the real theocrats (Muslim fundamentalists), real fascists and real anti-Semites is compromised. The tragedy of all this is that when evils are defined down, good people are left verbally unarmed when the real evils present themselves." -- Dennis Prager
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Celebrate the 4th of July
Today is a good day to re-read the Declaration of Independence. Think of the decisiveness and boldness of these men!
Today is a good day to re-read the Declaration of Independence. Think of the decisiveness and boldness of these men!
Prayer Meeting? Y-a-w-n...
Here's an excellent article describing our pathetic prayer meetings in the American church, with recommendations on changing it. Worth your time.
"As P.T. Forsyth warned, the inability to pray is the punishment for the refusal to pray."
Here's an excellent article describing our pathetic prayer meetings in the American church, with recommendations on changing it. Worth your time.
"As P.T. Forsyth warned, the inability to pray is the punishment for the refusal to pray."
Did They Find Noah's Ark?
Kevin Nelstead has a useful critique of the recent news that a team found the remains of Noah's ark. I appreciate his description of this effort as "psuedo-apologetics." Wise thinking!
Kevin Nelstead has a useful critique of the recent news that a team found the remains of Noah's ark. I appreciate his description of this effort as "psuedo-apologetics." Wise thinking!
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Fine Objective, But There's a Better One
I've heard this in a variety of ways over the years, and it's a fine objective:
"Live so that the preacher doesn't have to make stuff up at your funeral."
There's a better strategy: be sold out for Jesus. Love the Lord will all your heart, mind, soul, and strength.
I've heard this in a variety of ways over the years, and it's a fine objective:
"Live so that the preacher doesn't have to make stuff up at your funeral."
There's a better strategy: be sold out for Jesus. Love the Lord will all your heart, mind, soul, and strength.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Time Horizon
Success management 'guru' Brian Tracey tells his devotees to think out 5, 10, and 20 years out into the future. Why? The long perspective means you make better choices about today and tomorrow.
How much more, then, should we men be thinking out into eternity? (See Colossians 3:1-4).
Success management 'guru' Brian Tracey tells his devotees to think out 5, 10, and 20 years out into the future. Why? The long perspective means you make better choices about today and tomorrow.
How much more, then, should we men be thinking out into eternity? (See Colossians 3:1-4).
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
What Do Not-Yet Believers Ask?
Figuring out what people ask questions about is part of cultural anthropology. Sales, Marketing, Advertisers, Copyrighters, media producers are all searching this out -- what do people ask about? Because it's the window to their emotions and will to buy.
We need to study what not-yet believers are asking about.
Here's my observation: Very few not-yet believers are asking the question, "What must I do to be saved?" But nearly everyone is asking "How do I make my life work better?"
Figuring out what people ask questions about is part of cultural anthropology. Sales, Marketing, Advertisers, Copyrighters, media producers are all searching this out -- what do people ask about? Because it's the window to their emotions and will to buy.
We need to study what not-yet believers are asking about.
Here's my observation: Very few not-yet believers are asking the question, "What must I do to be saved?" But nearly everyone is asking "How do I make my life work better?"
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Christianity and the American Revolution
Christianity Today has a wonderful collection of articles discussing the Christian influences during the colonial period and the American Revolution. Recommended!
Here's one interesting excerpt from an article about preaching in colonial times:
"Over the span of the colonial era, American ministers delivered approximately 8 million sermons, each lasting one to one-and-a-half hours. The average 70-year-old colonial churchgoer would have listened to some 7,000 sermons in his or her lifetime, totaling nearly 10,000 hours of concentrated listening. This is the number of classroom hours it would take to receive ten separate undergraduate degrees in a modern university, without ever repeating the same course!
The pulpits were Congregational and Baptist in New England; Presbyterian, Lutheran, and German Reformed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey; and Anglican and Methodist in the South. But no matter the denomination, colonial congregations heard sermons more than any other form of oratory. The colonial sermon was prophet, newspaper, video, Internet, community college, and social therapist all wrapped in one. Such was the range of its influence on all aspects of life that even contemporary television and personal computers pale in comparison."
Monday, June 26, 2006
Toothpick Duct-Taped to a Lead Pipe
I liked this Perry Noble post, reminding us of our position in Christ:
"Christ Jesus makes us unstoppable. Yes, I know that there is an enemy named satan…but folks–HE LOSES! Jesus defeated him on the cross and one day will ultimately kick his butt and send him to hell! WE WIN! We are empowered! And God has not called any of us to sit on the sideline–but rather to “go for it.”
One of the things we need to STOP doing is imagining ourselves as weak, pathetic human beings that are not capable of accomplishing anything significant–well…if you are NOT in Christ then that is true–but in Christ you are like that lady in the truck–a powerful force.
OR–like the great scholar Lee McDerment said once–that we are all like little toothpicks…and we are easily broken…but when you accept Christ then you become a toothpick that gets duct-taped to a lead pipe–and then NOTHING can shatter you because of WHO you are attached to!"
I liked this Perry Noble post, reminding us of our position in Christ:
"Christ Jesus makes us unstoppable. Yes, I know that there is an enemy named satan…but folks–HE LOSES! Jesus defeated him on the cross and one day will ultimately kick his butt and send him to hell! WE WIN! We are empowered! And God has not called any of us to sit on the sideline–but rather to “go for it.”
One of the things we need to STOP doing is imagining ourselves as weak, pathetic human beings that are not capable of accomplishing anything significant–well…if you are NOT in Christ then that is true–but in Christ you are like that lady in the truck–a powerful force.
OR–like the great scholar Lee McDerment said once–that we are all like little toothpicks…and we are easily broken…but when you accept Christ then you become a toothpick that gets duct-taped to a lead pipe–and then NOTHING can shatter you because of WHO you are attached to!"
Friday, June 23, 2006
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Barbary Pirates and 21st Century Terrorists
Joshua London has written a useful history of the American war against the Barbary Pirates -- there are many lessons to learn about fighting Islamofascist terrorists today. I encourage you to read this excellent interview with the author. You'll come away with a better understanding of the history of the Marines, the nature of the enemy we're fighting now, and why this is a Long War.
Joshua London has written a useful history of the American war against the Barbary Pirates -- there are many lessons to learn about fighting Islamofascist terrorists today. I encourage you to read this excellent interview with the author. You'll come away with a better understanding of the history of the Marines, the nature of the enemy we're fighting now, and why this is a Long War.
Federal Regulations Hurt US Oil, Natural Gas Production
Pete duPont's editorial "Addicted to Regulation" outlines Federal laws and regulations over the last 25 years that greatly restrict domestic oil and natural gas production. US oil consumption is more than 20 million barrels/day (up from about 15 million b/d in the early 1980's). Our production has declined to 5 million b/d from about 10 million b/d in 1970.
There is abundant supply (105 billion barrels off the continental shelf and in Alaska), and low-impact means to acquire it, yet Federal Laws have put nearly all this off limits for production.
I believe the economic potential of cheap gas is huge -- it promotes manufacturing, transportation, and profitability for all kinds of commercial and non-commercial ventures. Cheap power sources have always fueled economic and social progress, throughout history.
We need to pursue other options as well. Nuclear power is a must. Hydro-electric should continue where it's feasible. We have many options for clean-burning coal. Solar and wind have growth potential.
(Hydrogen gets a lot of media buzz, but simple physics make it unlikely to be successful.)
Christians should be good thinkers. Yes, it's true that the proven US oil reserves (without oil shale) will only take care of US needs for 25 years, allowing for 30% demand rate increases. But that's 25 years we can use to bring other options on line. That's 25 years to improve batteries, for example, so that electric vehicles are more practical.
Pete duPont's editorial "Addicted to Regulation" outlines Federal laws and regulations over the last 25 years that greatly restrict domestic oil and natural gas production. US oil consumption is more than 20 million barrels/day (up from about 15 million b/d in the early 1980's). Our production has declined to 5 million b/d from about 10 million b/d in 1970.
There is abundant supply (105 billion barrels off the continental shelf and in Alaska), and low-impact means to acquire it, yet Federal Laws have put nearly all this off limits for production.
I believe the economic potential of cheap gas is huge -- it promotes manufacturing, transportation, and profitability for all kinds of commercial and non-commercial ventures. Cheap power sources have always fueled economic and social progress, throughout history.
We need to pursue other options as well. Nuclear power is a must. Hydro-electric should continue where it's feasible. We have many options for clean-burning coal. Solar and wind have growth potential.
(Hydrogen gets a lot of media buzz, but simple physics make it unlikely to be successful.)
Christians should be good thinkers. Yes, it's true that the proven US oil reserves (without oil shale) will only take care of US needs for 25 years, allowing for 30% demand rate increases. But that's 25 years we can use to bring other options on line. That's 25 years to improve batteries, for example, so that electric vehicles are more practical.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Why Email is Good
It's fashionable to complain about email. I think we need more genuine dialogue, including face-to-face conversations. All communication, to be effective, takes training -- and we are ever learning.
David Maister makes some excellent points about why email is good:
"[E]ven though it's traditional to bemoan the increasing use of email, let me (just for the heck of it) take the other side and try to make the case (my points are serious here) why using email is INCREASING our abilities to connect:
a) You can type, re-type and re-re-type an email until it says what you want, the way you want it. Done right, there are none of the ambiguities of human speech ( "What I meant to say was..") Email can promote clarity
b) You can ask a friend or a spouse or anyone else to help you say it right. Try doing THAT in the real world. Email can promote collaboration and friendship
c) You can keep five or six (or more) conversations going at once without anyone feeling slighted that you do not have all your focus on them alone. Email means you can make everyone feel special.
d) You can keep track of what people said and hold them to their promises. Email can promote honesty.
e) Email removes the visual, body-language, verbal-accent cues that we over-rely on when reacting to other people: email can promote the importance of reason and logic, and reduces bias due to gender, racial or national background or appearance. It is profoundly democratic and politically important.
f) Email allows us to think before we react, thereby promoting less stress, thoughtless comments and knee-jerk reactions. It allows people who are not naturally quick at interpreting other people's remarks to reflect and respond with greater emotional intelligence. Email can facilitate good relationship interactions and language."
It's fashionable to complain about email. I think we need more genuine dialogue, including face-to-face conversations. All communication, to be effective, takes training -- and we are ever learning.
David Maister makes some excellent points about why email is good:
"[E]ven though it's traditional to bemoan the increasing use of email, let me (just for the heck of it) take the other side and try to make the case (my points are serious here) why using email is INCREASING our abilities to connect:
a) You can type, re-type and re-re-type an email until it says what you want, the way you want it. Done right, there are none of the ambiguities of human speech ( "What I meant to say was..") Email can promote clarity
b) You can ask a friend or a spouse or anyone else to help you say it right. Try doing THAT in the real world. Email can promote collaboration and friendship
c) You can keep five or six (or more) conversations going at once without anyone feeling slighted that you do not have all your focus on them alone. Email means you can make everyone feel special.
d) You can keep track of what people said and hold them to their promises. Email can promote honesty.
e) Email removes the visual, body-language, verbal-accent cues that we over-rely on when reacting to other people: email can promote the importance of reason and logic, and reduces bias due to gender, racial or national background or appearance. It is profoundly democratic and politically important.
f) Email allows us to think before we react, thereby promoting less stress, thoughtless comments and knee-jerk reactions. It allows people who are not naturally quick at interpreting other people's remarks to reflect and respond with greater emotional intelligence. Email can facilitate good relationship interactions and language."
Strong Christian Leadership
David McCullough gave a speech on John Adams at Hillsdale College. Worth reading. See how a purposeful Christian man worked to serve others! (And his wife.)
David McCullough gave a speech on John Adams at Hillsdale College. Worth reading. See how a purposeful Christian man worked to serve others! (And his wife.)
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Battle Training
We like to think about the story of David v. Goliath (1 Sam 17) and say to ourselves, "See what God can do with even a little skinny kid!"
Don't miss these important facts:
1. David had already been annointed by Samuel (1 Sam 16:13): "and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power."
2. David was an armor-bearer in the house of Saul (1 Sam 16:21-22) and had experience in the company of strong men.
3. David had defended sheep from a lion and a bear -- and killed them both. (1 Sam 17:34-37) Guys, think about going one-on-one with a wild lion and a wild bear. That's not weenie stuff.
God arranged battle training for David before he ever met Goliath. Yes, he was a youth, but not a pampered momma's boy kid.
How has God been arranging your training for future battles? And what are we doing to train our sons and daughters to win battles?
We like to think about the story of David v. Goliath (1 Sam 17) and say to ourselves, "See what God can do with even a little skinny kid!"
Don't miss these important facts:
1. David had already been annointed by Samuel (1 Sam 16:13): "and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power."
2. David was an armor-bearer in the house of Saul (1 Sam 16:21-22) and had experience in the company of strong men.
3. David had defended sheep from a lion and a bear -- and killed them both. (1 Sam 17:34-37) Guys, think about going one-on-one with a wild lion and a wild bear. That's not weenie stuff.
God arranged battle training for David before he ever met Goliath. Yes, he was a youth, but not a pampered momma's boy kid.
How has God been arranging your training for future battles? And what are we doing to train our sons and daughters to win battles?
It's Father's Day Again
I really enjoyed Father's Day, and was wonderfully pampered by my family -- I watched parts of the US Open golf tournament!
It's good to have a day to honor our fathers.
But today is Father's Day. And tomorrow will be, too. And every day until we don't read about these kinds of statistics any more:
"According to the CDC, DoJ, DHHA, and the Bureau of the Census, the 30% of children who live apart from their fathers will account for 63% of teen suicides, 70% of juveniles in state-operated institutions, 71% of high-school dropouts, 75% of children in chemical abuse centers, 80% of rapists, 85% of youths in prison, and 85% of children who exhibit behavioral disorders. In addition, 90% of homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes. In fact, children born to unwed mothers are 10 times more likely to live in poverty as children with fathers in the home.... David Blankenhorn, president of the Institute for American values, adds '[The absence of fathers] from family life is surely the most socially consequential family trend of our era.' "
(I took this from the 6-16-06 issue of The Federalist newsletter.)
We sang "Rise Up, O Men of God!" at our church on Father's Day. The point of that hymn is that men need to rise up not just once but again and again. Today is another day for dads everywhere to be dads, honor the Lord, and save this and the next generation from darkness.
If you're looking for a good place to begin, check out this compilation of verses about family, by Kevin Nelstead.
I really enjoyed Father's Day, and was wonderfully pampered by my family -- I watched parts of the US Open golf tournament!
It's good to have a day to honor our fathers.
But today is Father's Day. And tomorrow will be, too. And every day until we don't read about these kinds of statistics any more:
"According to the CDC, DoJ, DHHA, and the Bureau of the Census, the 30% of children who live apart from their fathers will account for 63% of teen suicides, 70% of juveniles in state-operated institutions, 71% of high-school dropouts, 75% of children in chemical abuse centers, 80% of rapists, 85% of youths in prison, and 85% of children who exhibit behavioral disorders. In addition, 90% of homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes. In fact, children born to unwed mothers are 10 times more likely to live in poverty as children with fathers in the home.... David Blankenhorn, president of the Institute for American values, adds '[The absence of fathers] from family life is surely the most socially consequential family trend of our era.' "
(I took this from the 6-16-06 issue of The Federalist newsletter.)
We sang "Rise Up, O Men of God!" at our church on Father's Day. The point of that hymn is that men need to rise up not just once but again and again. Today is another day for dads everywhere to be dads, honor the Lord, and save this and the next generation from darkness.
If you're looking for a good place to begin, check out this compilation of verses about family, by Kevin Nelstead.
The Superman Movie Is Coming!
Here's an interesting column thanking Hollywood for not pursuing the evangelical audience to promote the new Superman movie.
Here's an interesting column thanking Hollywood for not pursuing the evangelical audience to promote the new Superman movie.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Writing "Today's Psuedochristian Version"
Sometimes the best way to get the real meaning of a Bible passage across to a group is to give them a made-up version that is ironic, satirical, or sarcastic. The made-up version has to sound like how some people really think -- the contrast effect is what helps people learn!
I'm teaching tomorrow on Hebrews 12:1-3. Here's the made-up version I've created to help this group recognize and grip the REAL instruction:
“Anyway, as long as you think people are watching, don’t be seen holding on to extra trinkets and gear, but leave them conveniently nearby so you can pick them up again. Since nobody really knows what’s around the bend, don’t push yourself beyond a sensible run-walk pace, and take breaks at every scenic turnout in the road. Look at Jesus occasionally, certainly on Sunday morning, and make sure others see you doing it. It’s his fault your in this mess, after all. Just because Jesus suffered doesn’t mean you have to, and besides, he died a long time ago in a country far, far away. If you get discouraged, well, other people sometimes feel that way. Buck up, plan to start again soon, and hopefully you’ll feel more like running later on.”
(I refer to this as "Today's Pseudochristian Version")
Here's the authentic text (NIV) so you can the comparison effect:“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
This is a fun way to teach and coach your kids. As they get older, ask them to help create the pseudo version -- they'll learn a lot!
Sometimes the best way to get the real meaning of a Bible passage across to a group is to give them a made-up version that is ironic, satirical, or sarcastic. The made-up version has to sound like how some people really think -- the contrast effect is what helps people learn!
I'm teaching tomorrow on Hebrews 12:1-3. Here's the made-up version I've created to help this group recognize and grip the REAL instruction:
“Anyway, as long as you think people are watching, don’t be seen holding on to extra trinkets and gear, but leave them conveniently nearby so you can pick them up again. Since nobody really knows what’s around the bend, don’t push yourself beyond a sensible run-walk pace, and take breaks at every scenic turnout in the road. Look at Jesus occasionally, certainly on Sunday morning, and make sure others see you doing it. It’s his fault your in this mess, after all. Just because Jesus suffered doesn’t mean you have to, and besides, he died a long time ago in a country far, far away. If you get discouraged, well, other people sometimes feel that way. Buck up, plan to start again soon, and hopefully you’ll feel more like running later on.”
(I refer to this as "Today's Pseudochristian Version")
Here's the authentic text (NIV) so you can the comparison effect:“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
This is a fun way to teach and coach your kids. As they get older, ask them to help create the pseudo version -- they'll learn a lot!
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Progressive, Patient Attack Strategies Used Against God's Men
John Stanford has some good counsel for us:
"New followers of Christ are soon attacked with strong temptations from the Devil. His goal is to cause them to despair and turn from following Christ.
If this initial attack fails, the Devil will wait a while until the new believer's zeal has cooled, and then try new temptations.
Later, when the believer is growing well spiritually, the Devil will plant in his or her mind the temptation that the progress is due to the believer's efforts, not God's.
A fourth way the Devil attacks is to focus on the believer's weaknesses. A common attack is when the Devil plants seeds of sexual lust."
You can sign up for John Stanford's email encouragement here.
John Stanford has some good counsel for us:
"New followers of Christ are soon attacked with strong temptations from the Devil. His goal is to cause them to despair and turn from following Christ.
If this initial attack fails, the Devil will wait a while until the new believer's zeal has cooled, and then try new temptations.
Later, when the believer is growing well spiritually, the Devil will plant in his or her mind the temptation that the progress is due to the believer's efforts, not God's.
A fourth way the Devil attacks is to focus on the believer's weaknesses. A common attack is when the Devil plants seeds of sexual lust."
You can sign up for John Stanford's email encouragement here.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Flag Day
Today is Flag Day in the US. There are some wonderful traditions with the US Flag, including some significant meanings that have been attached to the ceremony of folding the flag.
"The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.
When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust". After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today. There are some traditions and ways of doing things which have deep meaning. You will see many flags folded in the coming weeks, and now you will know why."
(See this site for some clarification that these are not "official.")
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Condiment or Meal?
A primary spiritual and practical problem is that we confuse condiments and meals.
Let me try to explain the metaphor.
My kids like to slather lots of butter or jelly on a chunk of bread. The bread, after all, is just a vector for the good part -- the butter! So the layer of butter sometimes approaches the thickness of the bread. (Where did they learn this? From me, of course.) Sometimes I tease the kids by asking, "Would you like a little bread with your butter?"
Really, the bread is the meal, and the butter should just be a condiment.
Please don't get me started on what people do with ketchup. :-)
Jesus is the Bread of Life. The Word of God is our daily bread. Worship in spirit and truth is our meal. Giving ourselves to serve others is our meal.
We spend way too much time on "condiments" -- things which are nice, add a little zip, but shouldn't detract from the real meal. TV is a condiment, not a meal. Use it that way.
What are some other condiments in your life?
A primary spiritual and practical problem is that we confuse condiments and meals.
Let me try to explain the metaphor.
My kids like to slather lots of butter or jelly on a chunk of bread. The bread, after all, is just a vector for the good part -- the butter! So the layer of butter sometimes approaches the thickness of the bread. (Where did they learn this? From me, of course.) Sometimes I tease the kids by asking, "Would you like a little bread with your butter?"
Really, the bread is the meal, and the butter should just be a condiment.
Please don't get me started on what people do with ketchup. :-)
Jesus is the Bread of Life. The Word of God is our daily bread. Worship in spirit and truth is our meal. Giving ourselves to serve others is our meal.
We spend way too much time on "condiments" -- things which are nice, add a little zip, but shouldn't detract from the real meal. TV is a condiment, not a meal. Use it that way.
What are some other condiments in your life?
Saturday, June 10, 2006
You Can't Charge Hell Like This
Mark Driscoll, pastor of Mars Hill Church had some strong, challenging words for men in his church:
"Things were starting to get out of hand with the men, so I called a meeting and demanded that all of the men in our church attend. I preached for more than two hours about manhood and basically gave the dad talk to my men for looking at porno, sleeping with young women, not serving Christ, not working hard at their jobs, and so on. I demanded that the men who were with me on our mission to change the city stay and that the rest leave the church and stop getting in the way because you can’t charge hell with your pants around your ankles, a bottle of lotion in one hand, and a Kleenex in the other.”
Cited here.
Mark Driscoll, pastor of Mars Hill Church had some strong, challenging words for men in his church:
"Things were starting to get out of hand with the men, so I called a meeting and demanded that all of the men in our church attend. I preached for more than two hours about manhood and basically gave the dad talk to my men for looking at porno, sleeping with young women, not serving Christ, not working hard at their jobs, and so on. I demanded that the men who were with me on our mission to change the city stay and that the rest leave the church and stop getting in the way because you can’t charge hell with your pants around your ankles, a bottle of lotion in one hand, and a Kleenex in the other.”
Cited here.
A Fatherly Task
"We must diligently strive to make our young men decent, God-fearing, law-abiding, honor-loving, justice-doing, and also fearless and strong, able to hold their own in the hurly-burly of the world's work, able to strive mightily that the forces of right may be in the end triumphant. And we must be ever vigilant in so telling them." -- Teddy Roosevelt
"We must diligently strive to make our young men decent, God-fearing, law-abiding, honor-loving, justice-doing, and also fearless and strong, able to hold their own in the hurly-burly of the world's work, able to strive mightily that the forces of right may be in the end triumphant. And we must be ever vigilant in so telling them." -- Teddy Roosevelt
Friday, June 09, 2006
Pray for Our Brothers and Sisters in China
The Church is flourishing in China, despite persecution. Please continue to pray for God's holy fire to sweep through millions of hearts in this country, and around the world.
The Church is flourishing in China, despite persecution. Please continue to pray for God's holy fire to sweep through millions of hearts in this country, and around the world.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Profiling
I'd glad that Canadian officials caught 17 terror-planning men and arrested them. Now I'm hearing two criticisms of this event from a left-leaning, ACLU promoting friend:
1. The police were using profiling strategies unfairly to single out these men.
2. No one is talking about the details of the case, and there's only enough information to make a news headline.
My thoughts:
1. I support the profiling work done that gave extra attention to Arab men. I think it is rational and right to allocate resources (time, attention, scrutiny, money) differentially when there is good reason to believe some individuals with specific ethnic or country origins or religious beliefs are much more likely to be terrorists than others.
Can profiling efforts be abused or miss individuals -- absolutely. We live in a fallen world. If you want fair, you may need to get a different universe. (Side note: give this some thought, you really don't want fair. You and I benefit tremendously by unfair treatment from our Lord.)
Here's another person who says hoorah for profiling.
2. Whatever information is trumpeted on the news gets to our enemies, as well. So less news about what happened is appropriate.
We must remain vigilant. This is going to be a long war.
I'd glad that Canadian officials caught 17 terror-planning men and arrested them. Now I'm hearing two criticisms of this event from a left-leaning, ACLU promoting friend:
1. The police were using profiling strategies unfairly to single out these men.
2. No one is talking about the details of the case, and there's only enough information to make a news headline.
My thoughts:
1. I support the profiling work done that gave extra attention to Arab men. I think it is rational and right to allocate resources (time, attention, scrutiny, money) differentially when there is good reason to believe some individuals with specific ethnic or country origins or religious beliefs are much more likely to be terrorists than others.
Can profiling efforts be abused or miss individuals -- absolutely. We live in a fallen world. If you want fair, you may need to get a different universe. (Side note: give this some thought, you really don't want fair. You and I benefit tremendously by unfair treatment from our Lord.)
Here's another person who says hoorah for profiling.
2. Whatever information is trumpeted on the news gets to our enemies, as well. So less news about what happened is appropriate.
We must remain vigilant. This is going to be a long war.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Anniversary of D-Day
Sixty-two years ago today American and British forces created a 5 mile wide beachhead at Normandy, France. That beachhead, dearly bought, was the opening of liberty for Europe. They poured men and materiel through that beachhead that pushed the Nazi regime back, retook the cities and villages, and restored them to their rightful owners.
Men, remind your families about D-Day. Talk with your sons about honor and sacrifice and freedom. (Check out the National D-Day Museum and the PBS American Experience sites.) The movie Saving Private Ryan is intense, but has some of the best portrayals of what storming the beach would have been like. A friend's father who was in the 2nd wave of boats at Omaha beach (and the only survivor of his boat that day) has told me that one difference is that the movie actors were too old. Most of the men hitting that beach were 17, 18, and 19. If you were 21 you were an old man.
But be sure also to talk with your families about spiritual beachheads. Militarily, a beachhead is a secure zone from which you can launch new attacks. God is working in His Church, in each of His people, to create beachheads that are launching points to retake what Satan has usurped. May the Holy Spirit pour through us to touch, reclaim, and restore thousands and hundreds of thousands and millions of lives! May we be large and clean conduits of the grace of Christ, for the glory of His Name, no matter what our sacrifice.
There are things worth dying for, men.
Sixty-two years ago today American and British forces created a 5 mile wide beachhead at Normandy, France. That beachhead, dearly bought, was the opening of liberty for Europe. They poured men and materiel through that beachhead that pushed the Nazi regime back, retook the cities and villages, and restored them to their rightful owners.
Men, remind your families about D-Day. Talk with your sons about honor and sacrifice and freedom. (Check out the National D-Day Museum and the PBS American Experience sites.) The movie Saving Private Ryan is intense, but has some of the best portrayals of what storming the beach would have been like. A friend's father who was in the 2nd wave of boats at Omaha beach (and the only survivor of his boat that day) has told me that one difference is that the movie actors were too old. Most of the men hitting that beach were 17, 18, and 19. If you were 21 you were an old man.
But be sure also to talk with your families about spiritual beachheads. Militarily, a beachhead is a secure zone from which you can launch new attacks. God is working in His Church, in each of His people, to create beachheads that are launching points to retake what Satan has usurped. May the Holy Spirit pour through us to touch, reclaim, and restore thousands and hundreds of thousands and millions of lives! May we be large and clean conduits of the grace of Christ, for the glory of His Name, no matter what our sacrifice.
There are things worth dying for, men.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
The Great Animal Namer
Geoff Thomas has a useful article talking about Adam. I had not considered the significance of Adam naming the animals of the field the Lord brought to him. There is a useful insight here, too, that this great work needed to be done before the Lord created Eve as his suitable helper. Recommended.
Geoff Thomas has a useful article talking about Adam. I had not considered the significance of Adam naming the animals of the field the Lord brought to him. There is a useful insight here, too, that this great work needed to be done before the Lord created Eve as his suitable helper. Recommended.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Future Geological Events
Kevin Nelstead posts about events that are geologically likely -- based on historical frequency -- for the next 1000, 10000, 100000, and 1000000 years! Plus he gives some great comments about how Christians should view future Earth. Guys, this makes for fun dinner conversation with the family. Check it out.
Kevin Nelstead posts about events that are geologically likely -- based on historical frequency -- for the next 1000, 10000, 100000, and 1000000 years! Plus he gives some great comments about how Christians should view future Earth. Guys, this makes for fun dinner conversation with the family. Check it out.
English Standard Version?
I'm looking for people who have been using the English Standard Version translation of the Bible. I continue to read positive press, but would like some personal testimonies. Please contact me at info@teachtochangelives or add a comment about your experience. Thanks!
I'm looking for people who have been using the English Standard Version translation of the Bible. I continue to read positive press, but would like some personal testimonies. Please contact me at info@teachtochangelives or add a comment about your experience. Thanks!
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Loving God With Your Medial Ventral Prefrontal Cortex
That's the idea that Mark Batterson proposes in his blog. He's starting a sermon series on neurology and faith. He makes an excellent point:
"I have this conviction: every ology is a branch of theology. That is based on Romans 1:20. Every branch of science reveals a new dimension of the Creator."
Yes!
That's the idea that Mark Batterson proposes in his blog. He's starting a sermon series on neurology and faith. He makes an excellent point:
"I have this conviction: every ology is a branch of theology. That is based on Romans 1:20. Every branch of science reveals a new dimension of the Creator."
Yes!
Learning to Be Good Listeners
[A joke with a point!]
A man was sitting on the edge of the bed, observing his wife turning back and forth, looking at herself in the mirror. Since her birthday was not far off, he asked what she'd like to have for her Birthday. I'd like to be six again, she replied, still looking in the mirror.
On the morning of her Birthday, he arose early, made her a nice big bowl of Lucky Charms, and then took her to Six Flags theme park. What a day! He put her on every ride in the park; the Death Slide, the Wall of Fear, the Screaming Monster Roller Coaster... everything there was.
Five hours later they staggered out of the theme park. Her head was reeling and her stomach felt upside down. He then took her to a McDonald's where he ordered her a Happy Meal with extra fries and a chocolate shake. Then it was off to a movie, popcorn, a soda pop, and her favorite candy, ..M&M's. What a fabulous adventure !
Finally she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed exhausted. He leaned over his wife with a big smile and lovingly asked, "Well Dear, what was it like being six again?" Her eyes slowly opened and her expression suddenly changed. "I meant my Dress Size, you goofball!"
[This joke is in lots of places on the Internet]
[A joke with a point!]
A man was sitting on the edge of the bed, observing his wife turning back and forth, looking at herself in the mirror. Since her birthday was not far off, he asked what she'd like to have for her Birthday. I'd like to be six again, she replied, still looking in the mirror.
On the morning of her Birthday, he arose early, made her a nice big bowl of Lucky Charms, and then took her to Six Flags theme park. What a day! He put her on every ride in the park; the Death Slide, the Wall of Fear, the Screaming Monster Roller Coaster... everything there was.
Five hours later they staggered out of the theme park. Her head was reeling and her stomach felt upside down. He then took her to a McDonald's where he ordered her a Happy Meal with extra fries and a chocolate shake. Then it was off to a movie, popcorn, a soda pop, and her favorite candy, ..M&M's. What a fabulous adventure !
Finally she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed exhausted. He leaned over his wife with a big smile and lovingly asked, "Well Dear, what was it like being six again?" Her eyes slowly opened and her expression suddenly changed. "I meant my Dress Size, you goofball!"
[This joke is in lots of places on the Internet]
Origins of Lucerna Font
Here's an interesting article about the story behind the Lucerna font used in some Bibles. This is a nice example of a team of people using all their skills to glorify God.
Here's an interesting article about the story behind the Lucerna font used in some Bibles. This is a nice example of a team of people using all their skills to glorify God.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Do You Have These Ministry Skills?
Rick Warren has compiled "35 Ministry Skills You'll Need in the 21st Century." There's no way any one person could have all 35 skills in sufficient amounts, but that's ok. We're a body, right?
Read through these and ask yourself how many of these skills would have been appropriate in the first century, and the second, etc.
Rick Warren has compiled "35 Ministry Skills You'll Need in the 21st Century." There's no way any one person could have all 35 skills in sufficient amounts, but that's ok. We're a body, right?
Read through these and ask yourself how many of these skills would have been appropriate in the first century, and the second, etc.
Put the Right Finish On It
It's been a difficult time where I work. There are many frustrations for large groups of people, and fears, uncertainties -- the emotions are flowing!
It is right and appropriate to pour out these emotions -- fear, anger, frustration, despair -- in our prayers before the Lord. He is our loving father, eager to listen.
All too often, however, we leave our prayers at that point, and don't end them properly. The biblical pattern is in the Psalms, in Job, and other places. End these prayers with submission to His authority and will, and with praise for Him. Put the right finish on your prayers, men!
It's been a difficult time where I work. There are many frustrations for large groups of people, and fears, uncertainties -- the emotions are flowing!
It is right and appropriate to pour out these emotions -- fear, anger, frustration, despair -- in our prayers before the Lord. He is our loving father, eager to listen.
All too often, however, we leave our prayers at that point, and don't end them properly. The biblical pattern is in the Psalms, in Job, and other places. End these prayers with submission to His authority and will, and with praise for Him. Put the right finish on your prayers, men!
Death by Ministry
If you're a pastor and/or serious Bible teacher, or want to understand how to help your church leadership and staff, you must read this article: Death by Ministry.
Mark Driscoll begins with some sobering statistics about burnout in ministry, then gives some outstanding counsel for how to prepare yourself and guard yourself for long-term Kingdom impact.
Give this to your pastors. Even if they know these things (and they may). "It is as important to be reminded as to be informed." -- Richard Halverson
If you're a pastor and/or serious Bible teacher, or want to understand how to help your church leadership and staff, you must read this article: Death by Ministry.
Mark Driscoll begins with some sobering statistics about burnout in ministry, then gives some outstanding counsel for how to prepare yourself and guard yourself for long-term Kingdom impact.
Give this to your pastors. Even if they know these things (and they may). "It is as important to be reminded as to be informed." -- Richard Halverson
A Troubling Symptom
American culture is rapidly losing the discipline of punctuality. I think this is a symptom of the real issues of self-focus, and lack of respect for other people's time. As a culture we are so affluent that time is the most precious commodity.
I've told a few Sunday School classes that I'm quick to make judgment on people who are consistently late to worship services. I keep thinking things like "If it was the President, they'd be here early. If it was a movie they looked forward to seeing, they'd be here on time. Shouldn't we treat the Lord Almighty with even more respect?"
Should I judge them for this? No. Who am I that I should judge my Master's servants?
Is punctuality a discipline that I believe should be promoted, and encouraged? Absolutely.
American culture is rapidly losing the discipline of punctuality. I think this is a symptom of the real issues of self-focus, and lack of respect for other people's time. As a culture we are so affluent that time is the most precious commodity.
I've told a few Sunday School classes that I'm quick to make judgment on people who are consistently late to worship services. I keep thinking things like "If it was the President, they'd be here early. If it was a movie they looked forward to seeing, they'd be here on time. Shouldn't we treat the Lord Almighty with even more respect?"
Should I judge them for this? No. Who am I that I should judge my Master's servants?
Is punctuality a discipline that I believe should be promoted, and encouraged? Absolutely.
Truth and Presentation
Al Gore's documentary film, titled "An Inconvenient Truth," is about the global warming "catastrophe." I've seen a number of raving positive reviews. I looked through a PowerPoint presentation that Gore has been giving for months now, and it's slick.
Remember the proverb: "The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him." (Proverbs 18:17)
These might be good questioners to consider, before you decide what is truth.
"Inconvenient Truths Indeed"
"Questions for Al Gore"
Also, remember this: "Endless repetition is not a coherent argument." (Thomas Sowell)
Al Gore's documentary film, titled "An Inconvenient Truth," is about the global warming "catastrophe." I've seen a number of raving positive reviews. I looked through a PowerPoint presentation that Gore has been giving for months now, and it's slick.
Remember the proverb: "The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him." (Proverbs 18:17)
These might be good questioners to consider, before you decide what is truth.
"Inconvenient Truths Indeed"
"Questions for Al Gore"
Also, remember this: "Endless repetition is not a coherent argument." (Thomas Sowell)
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
"Attend Church, Get a 10% Raise"
The Economist, a formidable magazine with high reputation, reports on an MIT study that examined data for church-attenders. People who attended twice as often were 10% wealthier. better educated, and less likely to divorce.
I suspect this economist is looking at the system backwards.
When people people begin to live in right relationship with God and with others, obeying biblical precepts, their lives will often be "better" as the world measures it. You're simply working with a strong foundation, rather than on a foundation of lies and deceipt and lonliness.
The Economist, a formidable magazine with high reputation, reports on an MIT study that examined data for church-attenders. People who attended twice as often were 10% wealthier. better educated, and less likely to divorce.
I suspect this economist is looking at the system backwards.
When people people begin to live in right relationship with God and with others, obeying biblical precepts, their lives will often be "better" as the world measures it. You're simply working with a strong foundation, rather than on a foundation of lies and deceipt and lonliness.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Good News?
Michael Barone does a fine job illustrating the facts about the economic news of the world, and the relative peace of the world. Despite media reports with selective focus, there IS excellent economic and peace news today. From a macro view on those fronts, we live in good times. Some of the best times ever, in fact.
Mr. Barone does not address our spiritual condition, however. This is harder to measure. Some say Christianity is advancing at a fast pace nearly everywhere (and some add, "except for the US"). What say you?
Michael Barone does a fine job illustrating the facts about the economic news of the world, and the relative peace of the world. Despite media reports with selective focus, there IS excellent economic and peace news today. From a macro view on those fronts, we live in good times. Some of the best times ever, in fact.
Mr. Barone does not address our spiritual condition, however. This is harder to measure. Some say Christianity is advancing at a fast pace nearly everywhere (and some add, "except for the US"). What say you?
Monday, May 22, 2006
Winston Churchill Quotes
I liked some of these pithy quotes from Winston Churchill, especially:
"Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm."
"If you are going through hell, keep going."
"If you have an important point to make, don' t try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time -- a tremendous whack."
"You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life."
I liked some of these pithy quotes from Winston Churchill, especially:
"Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm."
"If you are going through hell, keep going."
"If you have an important point to make, don' t try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time -- a tremendous whack."
"You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life."
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Prayer for Understanding
I've seen this several times over the years, and enjoy reflecting on it.
"I asked for strength that I might achieve; I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health that I might do greater things; I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy; I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men; I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life; I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing I asked for, but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered; I am among all men most richly blessed."
Prayer of an unknown Confederate soldier, U.S. Civil War (1860s).
I've seen this several times over the years, and enjoy reflecting on it.
"I asked for strength that I might achieve; I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health that I might do greater things; I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy; I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men; I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life; I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing I asked for, but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered; I am among all men most richly blessed."
Prayer of an unknown Confederate soldier, U.S. Civil War (1860s).
Friday, May 19, 2006
Why do You Expect Differently?
The da Vinci Code movie opens today. I've spoken with many Christians and read several articles where people point out the double standard from the world and media -- the argument is usually in two parts:
1. No Hollywood type would dare make an offensive movie undermining the claims of Muhammed, but they don't think twice about making movies that attack Christ and his Church.
2. Media attacks on The Passion of the Christ and the Narnia movie are rampant, even though they are amazing commercial successes.
Our job, men, is to be salt and light. We can speak the truth. We can (through God's enabling life in us) to bless those who curse us and persecute us.
But here's a caution: let us not be caught whining about unfair treatment. No student of the Bible should expect "fair" treatment or be surprised when persecution happens. Our true enemy has deceived these people. Don't expect different treatment. "I'm shocked, shocked, that Christians would be persecuted!"
The da Vinci Code movie opens today. I've spoken with many Christians and read several articles where people point out the double standard from the world and media -- the argument is usually in two parts:
1. No Hollywood type would dare make an offensive movie undermining the claims of Muhammed, but they don't think twice about making movies that attack Christ and his Church.
2. Media attacks on The Passion of the Christ and the Narnia movie are rampant, even though they are amazing commercial successes.
Our job, men, is to be salt and light. We can speak the truth. We can (through God's enabling life in us) to bless those who curse us and persecute us.
But here's a caution: let us not be caught whining about unfair treatment. No student of the Bible should expect "fair" treatment or be surprised when persecution happens. Our true enemy has deceived these people. Don't expect different treatment. "I'm shocked, shocked, that Christians would be persecuted!"
Honor
Doug Phillips shares some good insights and recommendations about establishing honor as the defining principle for living. Recommended, especially if you are training boys into men.
Doug Phillips shares some good insights and recommendations about establishing honor as the defining principle for living. Recommended, especially if you are training boys into men.
Milestone Reached
One billion people now have Internet access, and 1/4th of them have high-speed access. Let us use it for good.
One billion people now have Internet access, and 1/4th of them have high-speed access. Let us use it for good.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Disclaimer Needed?
http://www.worldmagblog.com/blog/archives/024505.html A "Da Vinci Code" cast member added fuel to the firestorm when he said the Bible should carry a disclaimer. Actor Ian McKellen made the statement during an NBC "Today Show" interview after Matt Lauer asked whether the movie should have a disclaimer saying it is fiction. "Well, I've often thought the Bible should have a disclaimer in the front saying this is fiction," McKellen said. "I mean, walking on water, it takes an act of faith. And I have faith in this movie. Not that it's true, not that it's factual, but that it's a jolly good story. And I think audiences are clever enough and bright enough to separate out fact and fiction, and discuss the thing after they've seen it."...
I would encourage anyone to seriously read the New Testament. Ask and answer two questions:
1. Who is Jesus?
2. What will you do about that?
I was challenged to do just this, and God used the Word to change my life. It's not enough, by the way, to answer the first question. I regularly meet people who casually say, "Yeah, Jesus is the son of God, so what?" God promises that every knee will bow. You can begin bowing now, or bow later. You won't like later.
http://www.worldmagblog.com/blog/archives/024505.html A "Da Vinci Code" cast member added fuel to the firestorm when he said the Bible should carry a disclaimer. Actor Ian McKellen made the statement during an NBC "Today Show" interview after Matt Lauer asked whether the movie should have a disclaimer saying it is fiction. "Well, I've often thought the Bible should have a disclaimer in the front saying this is fiction," McKellen said. "I mean, walking on water, it takes an act of faith. And I have faith in this movie. Not that it's true, not that it's factual, but that it's a jolly good story. And I think audiences are clever enough and bright enough to separate out fact and fiction, and discuss the thing after they've seen it."...
I would encourage anyone to seriously read the New Testament. Ask and answer two questions:
1. Who is Jesus?
2. What will you do about that?
I was challenged to do just this, and God used the Word to change my life. It's not enough, by the way, to answer the first question. I regularly meet people who casually say, "Yeah, Jesus is the son of God, so what?" God promises that every knee will bow. You can begin bowing now, or bow later. You won't like later.
Christ and Creation
Kevin Nelstead continues to hit it out of the park on his blog, The Earth Is Not Flat. I recommend you add it to your regular reading list(and please consider supporting their ministry in Romania).
His sermon on Christ and Creation is fabulous. Kevin clearly explains why creation testifies to God's existence, nature, and power, but is incomplete revelation. If you have not-yet-believing friends and family who are interested in the natural environment, or aren't thinking about God, check out this sermon and the other postings.
Kevin Nelstead continues to hit it out of the park on his blog, The Earth Is Not Flat. I recommend you add it to your regular reading list(and please consider supporting their ministry in Romania).
His sermon on Christ and Creation is fabulous. Kevin clearly explains why creation testifies to God's existence, nature, and power, but is incomplete revelation. If you have not-yet-believing friends and family who are interested in the natural environment, or aren't thinking about God, check out this sermon and the other postings.
Business Methods to Manage Churches
There is helpful, creative tension in the discussions about how much of the accepted practices and methods for managing corporations should be adopted by church leaders.
Here's what one pastor said to his elder board:
"The next time a sentence begins, “In the business world, we…” please know that I’m not interested in the rest of that sentence. The church is not the business world. As I’ve observed the effects of the business world on people’s lives, it doesn’t produce the traits that the church is about: joy, contentment, grace, and love. I don’t see the business world as a model for encouraging the kinds of lives we’re called to live."
From the other perspective you have business leaders scratching their heads and trying to figure out how to capture the tremendous passion and volunteer spirit they see in non-profits and churches, and get that same energy expressed in their businesses.
I don't believe there is a simplistic answer. The church is a special kind of human organization, so to at least some extent, practices successful in business organizations will be effective in the church. But a business is, in the end, performance-driven, and measuring by monetary and scale attributes. Churches [should] have a completely different ethic and metric system.
What do you think?
There is helpful, creative tension in the discussions about how much of the accepted practices and methods for managing corporations should be adopted by church leaders.
Here's what one pastor said to his elder board:
"The next time a sentence begins, “In the business world, we…” please know that I’m not interested in the rest of that sentence. The church is not the business world. As I’ve observed the effects of the business world on people’s lives, it doesn’t produce the traits that the church is about: joy, contentment, grace, and love. I don’t see the business world as a model for encouraging the kinds of lives we’re called to live."
From the other perspective you have business leaders scratching their heads and trying to figure out how to capture the tremendous passion and volunteer spirit they see in non-profits and churches, and get that same energy expressed in their businesses.
I don't believe there is a simplistic answer. The church is a special kind of human organization, so to at least some extent, practices successful in business organizations will be effective in the church. But a business is, in the end, performance-driven, and measuring by monetary and scale attributes. Churches [should] have a completely different ethic and metric system.
What do you think?
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Designing a Church for Men
Mark Doebler pastors the Grove Church in Peoria, IL, which is specifically designed to appeal to men. Read this interview transcript -- amazing ideas.
"Men respond exceedingly well to challenge." Amen to that.
Best idea, in my opinion: the huddle.
"And then after the service we have something called a men’s huddle. I invite every man in the church to meet me off to the side. No microphones or nothing. We gather just like a football huddle. I stare the men in the eye. I usually have something to hand to them for them to take, put in their pocket, carry with them during the week. I have a specific story or challenge for them to walk out of the service with something practical in their hands. And the great thing about that is as soon as they get in the car, what are the wives going to ask their husbands?
Steve:“What did you do in the huddle?”
Mark: Exactly! “What did you do in the huddle?” And so for a man who does not know how to minister to his family, for the first time in his life, even without trying, he is beginning to minister to his family in spiritual things. And it’s exciting!They’re learning how to have spiritual conversations with their wife and their children on the way home from the church, because I’ve given them something that their wife and their kids didn’t hear.
Read the whole interview here.
Mark Doebler pastors the Grove Church in Peoria, IL, which is specifically designed to appeal to men. Read this interview transcript -- amazing ideas.
"Men respond exceedingly well to challenge." Amen to that.
Best idea, in my opinion: the huddle.
"And then after the service we have something called a men’s huddle. I invite every man in the church to meet me off to the side. No microphones or nothing. We gather just like a football huddle. I stare the men in the eye. I usually have something to hand to them for them to take, put in their pocket, carry with them during the week. I have a specific story or challenge for them to walk out of the service with something practical in their hands. And the great thing about that is as soon as they get in the car, what are the wives going to ask their husbands?
Steve:“What did you do in the huddle?”
Mark: Exactly! “What did you do in the huddle?” And so for a man who does not know how to minister to his family, for the first time in his life, even without trying, he is beginning to minister to his family in spiritual things. And it’s exciting!They’re learning how to have spiritual conversations with their wife and their children on the way home from the church, because I’ve given them something that their wife and their kids didn’t hear.
Read the whole interview here.
Perry Noble Gets My Votes for Best Title of the Month
Perry Noble has a great blog post about our works-based righteousness being offensive to God.
Go here to see why he gets my vote for best title of the month.
This is a very useful strategy when you are teaching and working with people -- help them understand viscerally what the biblical text says.
Perry Noble has a great blog post about our works-based righteousness being offensive to God.
Go here to see why he gets my vote for best title of the month.
This is a very useful strategy when you are teaching and working with people -- help them understand viscerally what the biblical text says.
An Alternative Approach for Iran
Bret Stephens outlines several approaches to stop the current Iranian government from further work on nuclear weapons. Worth reading. I didn't realize how vulnerable Iran was financially, or that they import 40% of their gasoline due to lack of refineries.
Bret Stephens outlines several approaches to stop the current Iranian government from further work on nuclear weapons. Worth reading. I didn't realize how vulnerable Iran was financially, or that they import 40% of their gasoline due to lack of refineries.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
What Do Moms Do?
Mark Batterson relays this story:
"Tony Campolo tells one of my favorite mom stories. When he was a professor at the University of Pennsylvania his wife was a stay-at-home mom. At faculty functions she'd invariably get asked what she did and she'd say she was a full-time mom. The reaction was always the same. She felt patronized by the intelligentsia so she redefined her role. The next time she was asked she said, "I am socializing two homo sapiens in the dominant values of the Judeo-Christian tradition in order that they might be instruments for the transformation of the social order into the teleologically prescribed utopia inherent in the eschaton." Then she paused a moment and asked, “And what is it that you do?”
I love it.
Let's figure out the equivalent for real dads!
Mark Batterson relays this story:
"Tony Campolo tells one of my favorite mom stories. When he was a professor at the University of Pennsylvania his wife was a stay-at-home mom. At faculty functions she'd invariably get asked what she did and she'd say she was a full-time mom. The reaction was always the same. She felt patronized by the intelligentsia so she redefined her role. The next time she was asked she said, "I am socializing two homo sapiens in the dominant values of the Judeo-Christian tradition in order that they might be instruments for the transformation of the social order into the teleologically prescribed utopia inherent in the eschaton." Then she paused a moment and asked, “And what is it that you do?”
I love it.
Let's figure out the equivalent for real dads!
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Happy Mother's Day!
One of the things they teach you in West Virginia history is that the Mother's Day celebration on the 2nd Sunday in May came from the efforts of a Ana Jarvis at a church in Grafton, WV, beginning in 1907.
May God bless all our mothers today, and each day!
I liked what Armstrong Williams says about his mother:
"We recently honored my mother on her 80th birthday with many friends and relatives who came from far and wide to help us celebrate on the family farm in Marion, South Carolina. As we were celebrating her 80 years, it dawned on me that every day is Mother’s Day. Without mothers we would not be here. Our mothers are our first models of God: From their bodies, spring our creation. Early on, in the womb, we are weaned on their nutrients. When we are born, the maternal instinct ensures our safety. This unconditional bond teaches a child what it means to be cherished, teaches a child about the world around him, about emotional needs, about the essence of love. From these early interactions a child's character is born. My own mother spread her love equally to her children, taking great care to build and affirm our self-esteem. At the same time, she never tried to be our best friend; she was our mother, and as such, she provided the discipline and structure that our young minds craved. It was under her kindly lash, that my sense of personal responsibility and assertiveness grew. Most of all, she found great peace by giving up everything to serve her children and to help endow them with an immutable moral foundation. This moral sense was bound up in the concepts of religious striving, hard work and charity. In the simplest sense, mama believed that an absolute moral point of reference was necessary to help us discern between right and wrong. Without this foundation, she thought humans tended merely to live from whim to whim, moving neither toward nor away from anything, finding enjoyment only in moments of fleeting beauty. These lessons were learned young and so they tended to stick. They formed a foundation that would haul me along into adulthood. In a very tangible way, they set me about becoming the man I am today. Decades later these early lessons remain not just as memory, but also as a lingering joy in my heart and a constant source of rejuvenation.
I suppose it is appropriate that, upon birth, we are literally attached to our mothers. So while we delight in celebrating this Mother’s Day on May 14 – remember – every day is Mother’s Day."
I'd put my mom up against his mom any day :-)
One of the things they teach you in West Virginia history is that the Mother's Day celebration on the 2nd Sunday in May came from the efforts of a Ana Jarvis at a church in Grafton, WV, beginning in 1907.
May God bless all our mothers today, and each day!
I liked what Armstrong Williams says about his mother:
"We recently honored my mother on her 80th birthday with many friends and relatives who came from far and wide to help us celebrate on the family farm in Marion, South Carolina. As we were celebrating her 80 years, it dawned on me that every day is Mother’s Day. Without mothers we would not be here. Our mothers are our first models of God: From their bodies, spring our creation. Early on, in the womb, we are weaned on their nutrients. When we are born, the maternal instinct ensures our safety. This unconditional bond teaches a child what it means to be cherished, teaches a child about the world around him, about emotional needs, about the essence of love. From these early interactions a child's character is born. My own mother spread her love equally to her children, taking great care to build and affirm our self-esteem. At the same time, she never tried to be our best friend; she was our mother, and as such, she provided the discipline and structure that our young minds craved. It was under her kindly lash, that my sense of personal responsibility and assertiveness grew. Most of all, she found great peace by giving up everything to serve her children and to help endow them with an immutable moral foundation. This moral sense was bound up in the concepts of religious striving, hard work and charity. In the simplest sense, mama believed that an absolute moral point of reference was necessary to help us discern between right and wrong. Without this foundation, she thought humans tended merely to live from whim to whim, moving neither toward nor away from anything, finding enjoyment only in moments of fleeting beauty. These lessons were learned young and so they tended to stick. They formed a foundation that would haul me along into adulthood. In a very tangible way, they set me about becoming the man I am today. Decades later these early lessons remain not just as memory, but also as a lingering joy in my heart and a constant source of rejuvenation.
I suppose it is appropriate that, upon birth, we are literally attached to our mothers. So while we delight in celebrating this Mother’s Day on May 14 – remember – every day is Mother’s Day."
I'd put my mom up against his mom any day :-)
Saturday, May 13, 2006
United Flight 93 Movie
I saw the United Flight 93 Movie last night. Very impressive. Gut-wrenching. Brought back the whole range of emotions from that day. I thought the movie powerfully portrayed the confusion, the fears, and the heroics in a non-political way. Major kudos to the filmmakers.
One part of me says "Every American should see this movie." It so clearly portrays the nature of the enemy we're facing.
Another part of me thinks this movie is too intense for my wife and daughter to watch. I went with my teenage son, and we had a good conversation afterwards about what men must do in difficult situations.
Here's a useful wikipedia entry on UAL Flight 93.
I saw the United Flight 93 Movie last night. Very impressive. Gut-wrenching. Brought back the whole range of emotions from that day. I thought the movie powerfully portrayed the confusion, the fears, and the heroics in a non-political way. Major kudos to the filmmakers.
One part of me says "Every American should see this movie." It so clearly portrays the nature of the enemy we're facing.
Another part of me thinks this movie is too intense for my wife and daughter to watch. I went with my teenage son, and we had a good conversation afterwards about what men must do in difficult situations.
Here's a useful wikipedia entry on UAL Flight 93.
Friday, May 12, 2006
More on the "Liberal" Word
I've written before how it bugs me that the wonderful word "liberal" (which means freedom) has been coopted by leftist and socialist thinking. Thomas Sowell writes:
"Some say it is 'name-calling' if you refer to someone as a liberal. There is nothing inherently negative about the word 'liberal.' If it has acquired negative overtones, that is because of what liberals have done and the consequences that followed."
Some of my left-leaning political friends have now adopted the moniker "Progressive." The same thing will happen to that word.
And to "Conservative."
We don't manage labels very well, do we?
How are we doing with "evangelical" and "Christian" and "Jesus-follower"?
I've written before how it bugs me that the wonderful word "liberal" (which means freedom) has been coopted by leftist and socialist thinking. Thomas Sowell writes:
"Some say it is 'name-calling' if you refer to someone as a liberal. There is nothing inherently negative about the word 'liberal.' If it has acquired negative overtones, that is because of what liberals have done and the consequences that followed."
Some of my left-leaning political friends have now adopted the moniker "Progressive." The same thing will happen to that word.
And to "Conservative."
We don't manage labels very well, do we?
How are we doing with "evangelical" and "Christian" and "Jesus-follower"?
Power in Relationships
Peggy Noonan writes (about politicians in Washington) that "Power is distancing."
I believe she's correct.
I can't get my mind completely around this, but God-drenched relationships have power, but remain intimate. That distancing effect results from pride and other sins.
Peggy Noonan writes (about politicians in Washington) that "Power is distancing."
I believe she's correct.
I can't get my mind completely around this, but God-drenched relationships have power, but remain intimate. That distancing effect results from pride and other sins.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Top 10 Issues Facing Families
Factor these into your ministry outreach to other men!
1. Anti-Christian culture; 2. Divorce; 3. Busyness; 4. Absent father figure; 5. Lack of discipline; 6. Financial pressures; 7. Lack of communication; 8. Negative media influences; 9. Balance of work and family; 10. Materialism.
More here.
Factor these into your ministry outreach to other men!
1. Anti-Christian culture; 2. Divorce; 3. Busyness; 4. Absent father figure; 5. Lack of discipline; 6. Financial pressures; 7. Lack of communication; 8. Negative media influences; 9. Balance of work and family; 10. Materialism.
More here.
Raising Men
Check out this mother's story about raising men, especially so they honor and defend women. Good advice here for moms and dads.
Check out this mother's story about raising men, especially so they honor and defend women. Good advice here for moms and dads.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Desiring God Radio
I frequently recommend John Piper's books, articles, and sermons. These have been SO helpful to me. God uses his ministry to regularly rebuke, exhort, and excite my heart for Jesus.
If you're not a big reader, and prefer listening, then check out Desiring God Radio. They have hours of great information available, no cost. It's delightful to hear Pastor Piper's heart as he talks and preaches.
(You can also learn a lot from Pastor Piper about *how* to deliver information. Notice how he goes back to Scripture again and again, often repeating the text. Very powerful.)
I frequently recommend John Piper's books, articles, and sermons. These have been SO helpful to me. God uses his ministry to regularly rebuke, exhort, and excite my heart for Jesus.
If you're not a big reader, and prefer listening, then check out Desiring God Radio. They have hours of great information available, no cost. It's delightful to hear Pastor Piper's heart as he talks and preaches.
(You can also learn a lot from Pastor Piper about *how* to deliver information. Notice how he goes back to Scripture again and again, often repeating the text. Very powerful.)
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
The Silence of Adam
Kevin Nelstead has a wonderful post with quotes from The Silence of Adam. Check it out. I'm adding this book to my reading list.
"The root problem is the failure to believe that God is enough."
"When people try to handle their lives by merely working hard to do better, they either fail and live in defeat or succeed and become proud."
"Men are called to pass on something important to future generations: not just a passing on of history but a passing on of the memory of God in our lives."
See Kevin's comments about this book.
Kevin Nelstead has a wonderful post with quotes from The Silence of Adam. Check it out. I'm adding this book to my reading list.
"The root problem is the failure to believe that God is enough."
"When people try to handle their lives by merely working hard to do better, they either fail and live in defeat or succeed and become proud."
"Men are called to pass on something important to future generations: not just a passing on of history but a passing on of the memory of God in our lives."
See Kevin's comments about this book.
Darfur Peace Accords
Let us continue to pray for peace in Darfur, brothers. There is a long history here to make people skeptical about how long the peace agreements will hold.
Let us continue to pray for peace in Darfur, brothers. There is a long history here to make people skeptical about how long the peace agreements will hold.
Monday, May 08, 2006
How to Pray for Your Pastor
I have a special desire to pray for pastors. I liked Perry's Noble's advice in this endeavor:
#1 - Pray For His Walk With God
#2 - Pray For His Marriage
#3 - Pray For Him As A Father
#4 - Pray For His Leadership
#5 - Pray For His Creativity
#6 - Pray For "Thick Skin."
#7 - Pray For His Health
Perry gives some details for each request.
I have a special desire to pray for pastors. I liked Perry's Noble's advice in this endeavor:
#1 - Pray For His Walk With God
#2 - Pray For His Marriage
#3 - Pray For Him As A Father
#4 - Pray For His Leadership
#5 - Pray For His Creativity
#6 - Pray For "Thick Skin."
#7 - Pray For His Health
Perry gives some details for each request.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
U.S. Church in Decline
Christianity Today has a special report: The American Church in Crisis. Read the report and reflect on it.
But don't despair or be discouraged.
Ask God what He wants you to do to serve Him. Today.
For me, I'm going to keep on teaching the Bible to change lives. I'm going to continue to love my wife and shepherd my family. I'm going to continue to encourage and challenge men to be bold and gentle, tough and tender.
Christianity Today has a special report: The American Church in Crisis. Read the report and reflect on it.
But don't despair or be discouraged.
Ask God what He wants you to do to serve Him. Today.
For me, I'm going to keep on teaching the Bible to change lives. I'm going to continue to love my wife and shepherd my family. I'm going to continue to encourage and challenge men to be bold and gentle, tough and tender.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Albert Einstein Didn't Do This
There is an (admittedly delicious) story about Albert Einstein refuting a university professor by arguing [logically] that evil exists because of the absence of God. Turns out not to be true.
When this story came around to my inbox again recently, I explained that it was a fable. The person who sent it to me was outraged that I would challenge it! "It should be true," he wrote.
We all have the tendency to believe reported stories and facts when they agree with our worldview, even when they are demonstrably false. Let's watch ourselves, men, and keep our doctrine pure.
There is an (admittedly delicious) story about Albert Einstein refuting a university professor by arguing [logically] that evil exists because of the absence of God. Turns out not to be true.
When this story came around to my inbox again recently, I explained that it was a fable. The person who sent it to me was outraged that I would challenge it! "It should be true," he wrote.
We all have the tendency to believe reported stories and facts when they agree with our worldview, even when they are demonstrably false. Let's watch ourselves, men, and keep our doctrine pure.
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