do you really have influence?

Just read this a moment ago and it crushed me:

“Who do you think is the most influential Christian the world has ever known?” and he responded, “I’m quite certain no one has ever heard of him… or her.”

So let me ask you: Do you view yourself above or below others? Do you build people up or shoot them down? Do you live for yourself or for others? Are you up here or down here?

please read whole article here

Grace and peace,

All is well in the NHL

NHL hockey is back in full swing, and once again, my beloved Detroit Red Wings are dominating.

Here is the latest ESPN Power Rankings.

Go Wings!!

God Blogging

God blogging workshop spreads faith.

CNN has a news story (read full story here) about a three-day conference at Biola University that marked an important benchmark for Christian bloggers, who have worked behind the scenes for years to spread the Gospel and infuse politics with religion.

Grace and peace,

What does the Bible say about .....

those who lead His church?

Instructions for overseers, elders and deacons of God's church:
(as recorded in 1Timothy 3, Titus 1)  (ESV)

Maybe the structure at your church doesn't have titles like elders or deacons.   No matter, these commands are applicable to all pastors, executive staff, and lay ministry leaders or teachers.

DON'TS

arrogance,
quick-tempered,
must not be a recent convert,
not quarrelsome,
not a drunkard,
not violent,
not greedy for gain,
not a lover of money,
not double-tongued,
not addicted to much wine,
not greedy for dishonest gain.

DO'S

be blameless,
be dignified,
hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience,
must be tested first,
be well thought of by outsiders,
hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught,
be able to give instruction in sound doctrine,
able to rebuke those who contradict it (sound doctrine),
above reproach,
the husband of one wife,
his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination,
manage his own household (well),
spouses likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things,
hospitable,
gentle (not soft),
respectable,
sober-minded,
faithful in all things,
a lover of good,
self-controlled,
upright,
holy,
disciplined.

Grace and peace,

nu Bible txt 4 cells

"In da Bginnin God cre8d da heavens & da earth,"

The Australian Bible Society has abbreviated, or modified, all 31,173 verses of the Contemporary English Version Bible to be used in cellular phones for text messaging. You can send a friend the whole Bible in just 30,000 messages!

Read the CNN story here.

The idea for a completely web-based translation for the Bible was also done with the NET Bible (New English Translation). It is a great asset in Bible study, with a very high level of accuracy consistent with the original Bible writings. Check it out, and download it for free here.

shaken

"We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking only to learn that it is God shaking them."

- Charles West


This Days thought

Common Grounds

An interesting blog....

Common Grounds has some different Christian flavors and I think some non-Christian input as well. The Common Grounds blog is based off of a new book, Common Ground: Conversations About the Things That Matter Most , by Ben Young and Glenn Locke. Read a review by Chuck Colson.

This type of blog appeals to me because it has genuine, and respectful input from more than one person, even some who might not be of the same faith / theology.

This is similar to a blog that was started between me and some friends of mine (one is atheist, and one prefers Buddhism but also looks at other religious creeds for spiritual discernment). I met these guys a couple years ago in Seattle, and feel really blessed to have been able to get to know them. Mainly because of time constraints, the blog really hasn’t moved forward too much, but previously we had such stirring and revealing email conversations about faith that we thought we would go online with our thoughts and see what became of it.

I am praying to reach their hearts and minds that they will understand and believe God’s will for their life.

Erwin Mcmanus on discipling

One of the young and very talented pastors at Fellowship Church , Steve Dilla, introduced me to Erwin McManus through his Ardent blog (thanks Steve!!).

I didn’t know too much about Erwin when Steve first posted about him, but I have now read a few of his articles now and I think he shares some great wisdom.

I like what Erwin says about humility in an article he wrote about discipling the broken:

"You can trust the heart of a person who isn't too good for any job."

Read "Broken People Can Become Whole Disciples" here, it is really good.

Chuck Swindoll has commented "a person who is humble would be surprised if you told them they were humble."

I guess this humility thing hits a nerve with me, since as Erwin points out in his article, humility is a key factor in having integrity and being trustworthy. To me, trust is the beginning of any valid relationship, be it a one-time witnessing opportunity, or making lifelong friends and aquaintances.

Also, Erwin is going to be a guest speaker at the Catalyst 2005 conference this coming weekend. I had thought I was going to go to this, but it isn’t going to work out. With guys like Erwin McManus speaking, I am sure it is going to be an awesome conference.

Grace and peace,