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
Monday, July 31, 2006
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.
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