I just returned from 3 days in Orlando, attending the Synergize2! conference. There were more than 16 pastors/leaders from across the world, that shared what God was doing. It was a time of refreshing, renewal, and a fresh anointing. It was like a breath of fresh air, to hear that God is moving in other countries across the world. Millions are giving their life to Christ every day! The gospel is being taken to the "uttermost parts of the earth".
In the coming weeks, I will be posting different notes and thoughts from some of the features speakers.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Haiti -- End or Beginning?
The below post is from a Facebook note written by Gerald Bustin (click here to be taken to the Facebook note page). It is very powerful, because it is so true.
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IS THIS THE END OF HAITI OR A BEGINNING? Gerald Bustin
I am really, really angry—so angry I could scream!
Yesterday, two different people who called me for news about Haiti and the victims of the earthquake fell back into the standard default mode of so called “Christians,” with their stupid, buck-passing cliche’: “Well we know this is what we expect in these last days!”
To be fair, they may not have meant it the way I took it, but since actions speak louder than words, this seems to be the way most Christians mean it— “O well, God said it would happen so there’s nothing we can do about it.” That sort of blathering stupidity is what is making me angry.
For too long we have believed the devil-inspired doctrines of John Darby and have allowed the church to lose our purpose, power, and destiny. (He claimed the church was just a parenthesis in God’s calendar and was never meant to conquer or win the world but was destined to be taken out so God could come back to His original plan—Israel.) Since then the church has believed it’s mission in life is to evacuate, not conquer! Of course we are in the “last days,” but remember, the last days started with Jesus Christ! The last days did not prevent the early church from changing their known world! The last days did not prevent John Wesley from changing the face of England. The last days did not prevent Whitefield and Edwards and others from being used of God in laying the foundation in revival for the birth and formation of the United States of America! The last days did not prevent William Carey from becoming the “Father of modern missions.” And it did not keep my father and five of his children from going into stone-age New Guinea and helping to change the destiny of that nation!
So now with maybe 100,000 dead, many lying in the streets, and probably most buried beneath the rubble in Haiti, what is our real vision for the church’s response? The world is rushing to bring in water, food, medical attention and shelter, and that is urgently needed at this time. But as important and needed as it is, this kind of assistance is little more than a proverbial “band-aid” and is only a short-term solution. We can join the rush to get more “band-aids” or we can look through the eyes of faith and see this as a potential NEW BEGINNING FOR HAITI then act accordingly!
We can cry over the terrible suffering (and we should) or, while weeping, we can pick up the “Balm in Gilead” and go forward in His Name to bring healing to a nation— Healing to a nation that sold it’s soul to the devil more than 200 years ago and has been living under a curse ever since! Healing to a nation that has lived in squalor and poverty, and starvation and disease and corruption for 200 years while being the “Voodoo Capital of the World.” Healing to a nation that shares the very same Island of Hispaniola with a neighbor (Dominican Republic) which is rich compared with Haiti.
I went to Haiti as a very small boy with my family 65 years ago—1945. Across the years since then, many missionaries including my mother and sister-in-law, have laid down their lives there. Millions of dollars have been poured into Haiti during these years. Today Haiti is really no better off than it was then. According to reports, The USA has given more than three billion dollars in aid to Haiti since 1992. But Haiti really has nothing to show for that money! Haiti has gone from once being the richest French colony - the Pearl of the Antilles - to being the poorest nation in the western hemisphere! Today it has been stripped of its resources: 98% of the national territory has been deforested, increasing the vulnerability of a population impoverished by years of dictatorship and violence. And now as Haiti reels from the devastation of a powerful earthquake, it seems it’s plight could not possibly be any worse!
And as the world rushes in with “band-aids” the Church of Jesus Christ needs to speak with the faith and power of Peter and John, “Silver and gold we don’t have, but. . . In the name of Jesus Christ rise up and live!” So how do we make this the Beginning of a new Haiti? By raising up an “army” of people filled with the love and faith of Jesus who will go in and weep with them— but not in despair or desolation— but with faith and hope that there is a better day coming. By helping them rise up and break the curse by denouncing the devil and all his ways. By lifting the Name of Jesus and speaking the power of that Name over the land! By establishing the Lordship of Jesus Christ over Haiti.
Of course it won’t hurt to have some “band-aids” in our pockets as well to share, but “band-aids” is not our business! Our Business is Asserting the Healing and Transforming Power of Jesus Christ and speaking with one united voice with the authority that is ours to cast out the devil!
Back to me being Angry: Why? I am tired of Christians living with an artificial ceiling above our heads placed there by an end-time doctrine of doom and gloom rather than a vision of victory! I am tired of having to beg wealthy Christians for a few crumbs from their over-loaded tables so I can share those crumbs with a starving world! I am tired of selfish “Christians” who have no greater motivation than SELF and in that sense are no different from the world! (Some even think they are more holy because of the clothes they wear and even this self-righteousness is just more bloated self!) I am tired of so-called Christians who are content to chase little white balls around green fields in Florida since they have enough money to “retire” on while much of the world is headed for hell but they couldn’t be bothered! I am tired of “successful” business men with bulging pockets, acting like I am being painfully unreasonable to suggest they should share some of their time and money with others whose pockets are empty! (And by the way—if they don’t give it willingly the government cometh to take-eth it away.) I am tired of so-called Christians looking the other way (because, remember it is not our purpose to win) while we lose our privileges and freedoms to pray and read our Bibles in public places and while the Name of Jesus is forbidden at the close of our public prayers! I am tired of allowing 50 million of our babies to be murdered under the name of legal abortions and allowing militant homosexuals to define the meaning of marriage! I am tired of Christians voting again and again for the same corrupt politicians who use the power we give them to sneer and snarl at our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! And I am REALLY SICK AND TIRED of being told that this is the way it has to be because God declared it should be this way in these “Last Days.” And I’m really, really, really tired of you Face Book readers who don’t have enough passion in your hearts and fire in your bellies to get off your soft sofas and start doing something about it!
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IS THIS THE END OF HAITI OR A BEGINNING? Gerald Bustin
I am really, really angry—so angry I could scream!
Yesterday, two different people who called me for news about Haiti and the victims of the earthquake fell back into the standard default mode of so called “Christians,” with their stupid, buck-passing cliche’: “Well we know this is what we expect in these last days!”
To be fair, they may not have meant it the way I took it, but since actions speak louder than words, this seems to be the way most Christians mean it— “O well, God said it would happen so there’s nothing we can do about it.” That sort of blathering stupidity is what is making me angry.
For too long we have believed the devil-inspired doctrines of John Darby and have allowed the church to lose our purpose, power, and destiny. (He claimed the church was just a parenthesis in God’s calendar and was never meant to conquer or win the world but was destined to be taken out so God could come back to His original plan—Israel.) Since then the church has believed it’s mission in life is to evacuate, not conquer! Of course we are in the “last days,” but remember, the last days started with Jesus Christ! The last days did not prevent the early church from changing their known world! The last days did not prevent John Wesley from changing the face of England. The last days did not prevent Whitefield and Edwards and others from being used of God in laying the foundation in revival for the birth and formation of the United States of America! The last days did not prevent William Carey from becoming the “Father of modern missions.” And it did not keep my father and five of his children from going into stone-age New Guinea and helping to change the destiny of that nation!
So now with maybe 100,000 dead, many lying in the streets, and probably most buried beneath the rubble in Haiti, what is our real vision for the church’s response? The world is rushing to bring in water, food, medical attention and shelter, and that is urgently needed at this time. But as important and needed as it is, this kind of assistance is little more than a proverbial “band-aid” and is only a short-term solution. We can join the rush to get more “band-aids” or we can look through the eyes of faith and see this as a potential NEW BEGINNING FOR HAITI then act accordingly!
We can cry over the terrible suffering (and we should) or, while weeping, we can pick up the “Balm in Gilead” and go forward in His Name to bring healing to a nation— Healing to a nation that sold it’s soul to the devil more than 200 years ago and has been living under a curse ever since! Healing to a nation that has lived in squalor and poverty, and starvation and disease and corruption for 200 years while being the “Voodoo Capital of the World.” Healing to a nation that shares the very same Island of Hispaniola with a neighbor (Dominican Republic) which is rich compared with Haiti.
I went to Haiti as a very small boy with my family 65 years ago—1945. Across the years since then, many missionaries including my mother and sister-in-law, have laid down their lives there. Millions of dollars have been poured into Haiti during these years. Today Haiti is really no better off than it was then. According to reports, The USA has given more than three billion dollars in aid to Haiti since 1992. But Haiti really has nothing to show for that money! Haiti has gone from once being the richest French colony - the Pearl of the Antilles - to being the poorest nation in the western hemisphere! Today it has been stripped of its resources: 98% of the national territory has been deforested, increasing the vulnerability of a population impoverished by years of dictatorship and violence. And now as Haiti reels from the devastation of a powerful earthquake, it seems it’s plight could not possibly be any worse!
And as the world rushes in with “band-aids” the Church of Jesus Christ needs to speak with the faith and power of Peter and John, “Silver and gold we don’t have, but. . . In the name of Jesus Christ rise up and live!” So how do we make this the Beginning of a new Haiti? By raising up an “army” of people filled with the love and faith of Jesus who will go in and weep with them— but not in despair or desolation— but with faith and hope that there is a better day coming. By helping them rise up and break the curse by denouncing the devil and all his ways. By lifting the Name of Jesus and speaking the power of that Name over the land! By establishing the Lordship of Jesus Christ over Haiti.
Of course it won’t hurt to have some “band-aids” in our pockets as well to share, but “band-aids” is not our business! Our Business is Asserting the Healing and Transforming Power of Jesus Christ and speaking with one united voice with the authority that is ours to cast out the devil!
Back to me being Angry: Why? I am tired of Christians living with an artificial ceiling above our heads placed there by an end-time doctrine of doom and gloom rather than a vision of victory! I am tired of having to beg wealthy Christians for a few crumbs from their over-loaded tables so I can share those crumbs with a starving world! I am tired of selfish “Christians” who have no greater motivation than SELF and in that sense are no different from the world! (Some even think they are more holy because of the clothes they wear and even this self-righteousness is just more bloated self!) I am tired of so-called Christians who are content to chase little white balls around green fields in Florida since they have enough money to “retire” on while much of the world is headed for hell but they couldn’t be bothered! I am tired of “successful” business men with bulging pockets, acting like I am being painfully unreasonable to suggest they should share some of their time and money with others whose pockets are empty! (And by the way—if they don’t give it willingly the government cometh to take-eth it away.) I am tired of so-called Christians looking the other way (because, remember it is not our purpose to win) while we lose our privileges and freedoms to pray and read our Bibles in public places and while the Name of Jesus is forbidden at the close of our public prayers! I am tired of allowing 50 million of our babies to be murdered under the name of legal abortions and allowing militant homosexuals to define the meaning of marriage! I am tired of Christians voting again and again for the same corrupt politicians who use the power we give them to sneer and snarl at our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! And I am REALLY SICK AND TIRED of being told that this is the way it has to be because God declared it should be this way in these “Last Days.” And I’m really, really, really tired of you Face Book readers who don’t have enough passion in your hearts and fire in your bellies to get off your soft sofas and start doing something about it!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Stuff Christians Like
The below post is taken from the blog, Stuff Christians Like, it is entitled "Acting Surprised When God Doesn't Seem Close". I encourage you to add this blog to your RSS feed, it is always full of interesting posts.
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“Are you OK?”
That’s my wife’s polite way of saying, “Why are you being such a distant, distracted jerk right now?”
She said that to me about a week ago and she was right. I was distant. I was distracted. I was a jerk. Above all, I was surprised.
When I hit funks like this, I like to act shocked. I put my hands on my head and say in quiet wonder, “What is going on? Where is God? How come this Christmas season feels so awkward and scattered and ill fitting? What’s going on God, what are you doing?”
It’s better that way. The blame isn’t on me. No one likes to throw themselves under the bus. That would be bananas. But I have no problem acting surprised when God feels far away. If I was honest though, if I really looked at the last few weeks with a filter of truth, I probably would have instead said something like this:
“Wow, my quiet times have been wildly inconsistent this holiday season. I mean I often struggle with them during vacations because my normal patterns are all jumbled up but I reached new lows this Christmas. I’m not starting my days with God right now. I’m not praying actively like I usually do. I’m not centering my mornings and my days on who he is and who he made me to be. It’s been a week since I’ve cracked my Bible and in it’s absence I’ve been filling my head and heart with junk. I’ve been watching shows on Hulu that I never watch. I’ve been aimlessly surfing online which is usually a deathtrap for me. I’ve been nudging my boundaries all over the place. I’ve been reading and listening to things I usually avoid. Hmmm, I wonder if any of that will have a consequence?”
It does. It might take me a while to realize what I’m doing but when I finally come around it seems so obvious. When I remove quiet time and add junk, things get gross, fast. How am I surprised? How am I shocked that my decisions get shady? How am I perplexed that it’s suddenly a little easier to lie and twist the truth?
I don’t know if you ever do this, but I’m exhausted by it. I don’t like whimpering out of 2009 spiritually but even more so, I don’t like limping into 2010.
Let’s put aside our surprise. Let’s stop pretending. Faith is a day by day, decision by decision, breath by breath kind of thing. And when we spend those days indulging in poison, we get poisonous lives.
The cat is out of the bag. Farewell surprise.
_________________________________________________________________
“Are you OK?”
That’s my wife’s polite way of saying, “Why are you being such a distant, distracted jerk right now?”
She said that to me about a week ago and she was right. I was distant. I was distracted. I was a jerk. Above all, I was surprised.
When I hit funks like this, I like to act shocked. I put my hands on my head and say in quiet wonder, “What is going on? Where is God? How come this Christmas season feels so awkward and scattered and ill fitting? What’s going on God, what are you doing?”
It’s better that way. The blame isn’t on me. No one likes to throw themselves under the bus. That would be bananas. But I have no problem acting surprised when God feels far away. If I was honest though, if I really looked at the last few weeks with a filter of truth, I probably would have instead said something like this:
“Wow, my quiet times have been wildly inconsistent this holiday season. I mean I often struggle with them during vacations because my normal patterns are all jumbled up but I reached new lows this Christmas. I’m not starting my days with God right now. I’m not praying actively like I usually do. I’m not centering my mornings and my days on who he is and who he made me to be. It’s been a week since I’ve cracked my Bible and in it’s absence I’ve been filling my head and heart with junk. I’ve been watching shows on Hulu that I never watch. I’ve been aimlessly surfing online which is usually a deathtrap for me. I’ve been nudging my boundaries all over the place. I’ve been reading and listening to things I usually avoid. Hmmm, I wonder if any of that will have a consequence?”
It does. It might take me a while to realize what I’m doing but when I finally come around it seems so obvious. When I remove quiet time and add junk, things get gross, fast. How am I surprised? How am I shocked that my decisions get shady? How am I perplexed that it’s suddenly a little easier to lie and twist the truth?
I don’t know if you ever do this, but I’m exhausted by it. I don’t like whimpering out of 2009 spiritually but even more so, I don’t like limping into 2010.
Let’s put aside our surprise. Let’s stop pretending. Faith is a day by day, decision by decision, breath by breath kind of thing. And when we spend those days indulging in poison, we get poisonous lives.
The cat is out of the bag. Farewell surprise.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Would you rather...
Would you rather...
have your breath smell like a bad fart; or have your laugh sound like a fart?
have your breath smell like a bad fart; or have your laugh sound like a fart?
Friday, January 08, 2010
Vulnerable Prayer Positions
A couple months ago I attended a body language class. It was all about what our body language says about us, and how to read it to find out what a person is really thinking or saying. One of the things mentioned was that a lot of times, people (men especially) will cross their hands in front of them so that they come to rest in front of the groin area (see photo below). This is often a sign of vulnerability, the man is feeling particularly vulnerable (this could be for a variety of reasons).
Another body language sign is the lowering of the chin. Lowering the chin in such a manner that the throat is covered, or protected. This is often a sign of defensiveness, weakness, and also vulnerability (protecting the vulnerable throat area). Also, as the head lowers, the eyes also lower, suggesting submission.
I noticed that during my prayer times, whether public or private, my body seems to naturally want to float into these positions. I also noticed, during prayer at church (I know I shouldn't be looking around), that a lot of other people are in these positions as well.
What if there's more to our "prayer position". Think about it, when we pray we are going before a righteous, sinless, almighty God, and we are bringing to Him praise, and petition. This God, can see us for who and what we really are, He can see our faults, sins, and weaknesses. What an incredibly vulnerable position we are put into! Naturally our bodies, float to protect the most vulnerable areas.
Our heads bow, out of respect, but could it also be out of some defensiveness. As we witness the face of God, our weakness and humanness is revealed. Our bodies fall into a state of defensiveness in the knowledge that it is impossible for us to live up to the righteousness of God.
Finally, realizing our vulnerability (crossing the hands, protecting the vulnerable areas), and seeing our weakness (bowing our heads in a defensive posture), our eyes are lowered in submission to our great God and Saviour.
The most amazing thing of all is that in spite of our human weakness, in spite of our faults, in spite of our inability to even come close to the righteousness of God, in spite of all this; our Almighty, all knowing, God, the God that nothing is hidden from, this Great God, still stops,listens to, and answer our prayers. He gladly, accepts our prayers of worship, praise, and adoration. But, He also hears our petitions. He see's our weak, vulnerable positions, He knows that without Him we are nothing. He answers our prayers, He responds to our pleading.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Would you rather...
Would you rather...
be forced to watch The Sound of Music continuously for 48 hours; or, drive cross country with Barry Manilow singing on the radio the whole time?
be forced to watch The Sound of Music continuously for 48 hours; or, drive cross country with Barry Manilow singing on the radio the whole time?
Monday, January 04, 2010
Looking Ahead
I don't really make New Year's resolutions. I just like to think on the year ahead, the possibilities and opportunities, that I will be presented with, and work toward making the best of what may come.
I am really excited about the fact that a Golden Corral has been built near my home (in Jensen Beach), I anxiously await the opening day for that. They have had a "coming soon" sign up for like 2 years, but this year is it. It's built and has to be opening soon. A definite highlight of 2010!
At the end of this month I will be going to Orlando, where my father and I will be attending the Synergize2 ministry conference. Looking forward to a time of spiritual/ministry growth, equipping, and refreshment.
April 9-16, I will be flying to Guatemala (my first trip out of the US) with a missions organization called, Latin American Ministries. I'm not exactly sure what my responsibilities will be there, but it will be exciting to see what God is doing in other parts of the world.
At the end of April, first of May, I plan to fly to Covenant Christian Academy, a high school I attended in South Carolina, for a sort-of homecoming/reunion. This is a small school, so any alumni, who have ever attended there, are invited to this homecoming. It will be really cool to see all my old friends, who I've only kept in touch with on facebook.
In August, one of my best friends (and groomsman), Jeremiah, will be getting married. He has asked me to serve as a groomsman in his wedding. That's in Michigan, one state I have never been to or through.
At work (Martin County Fire Rescue) this year it is my goal to take a more proactive approach in my transition to Emergency Management. I love serving in my current position of Fire Inspector, but I want to be more versatile, so I am planning on obtaining several FEMA certifications, attending an EM Bootcamp, and various other conferences and classes. This should be an exciting year for my career.
Personally, I am currently working on a writing project and hope to have it completed by April (more on this, to come). I am looking forward to more speaking/teaching opportunities, writing projects, and posts to this blog.
May this be one of the best years of your life! Make this the year that you put action to your dreams, goals, ambitions, and passions. Allow this to be the year that you realize and begin to achieve your life's purpose!
Friday, January 01, 2010
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Would you rather...
Would you rather drink half a cup of a strangers salive or; eat all the hair out of your bathtub drain?
Monday, December 28, 2009
Year End Book Review 2009
Here is the 2009 review of the books I have read this year, along with a brief review and my personal thoughts and comments.
How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else, Michael Gates Gill This is the memoir of Michael Gates Gill. A man who was born into wealth, and had everything. A man at the top of his business. But, he loses it all. When he runs out of options he goes to work at Starbucks (starts at the bottom). This book tells of the lessons he learned from his experiences and how Starbucks, and the people he meets working there, impact his life. Related post: Hello, Goodbye
Book Yourself Solid, Michael Port This business book reveals the secrets to successful marketing and selling. The secret is in truly knowing your business/company, but not only knowing it, know how to talk about it. The reader is taken through the steps of how to create excitement in potential customers, so they will utilize your service or product.
The Great Eight, Scott Hamilton The figure-skating phenomenon lists his eight methods to experience true happiness (even when you have every reason to be miserable). Related post: Scott Hamilton, The Great 8
Consulting for Dummies, Bob Nelson/Peter Economy I was interested in learning about what the job of a consultant actually entails. How it is done? How people make money doing it? Related post: Church Coach
The Noticer, Andy Andrews Perception is reality. There are many ways to look at the same thing. It's all about perspective. Related post: The Noticer
Put Your Dream to the Test, John C. Maxwell This leadership expert identifes 10 questions to ask yourself, and answer, to make your dreams a reality. I had the opportunity to hear him teach on this at church (Christ Fellowship), and was able to have him autograph my copy. Related post: Dream Test
It, Craig Groeschel Some churches have "it", and some don't. Through personal experiences with his church, Groeschel, reveals what he has found that determines if a church will have "it" or not.
The Charismatic Century, Jack Hayford An informative look at the formation of the pentecostal church movement. See what events led up to the Azusa street revival, and how the effects of that revival are still being felt today. Related post: Revival
The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leaders Day, John C. Maxwell Based on "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership", this book offers a six-week daily reading to help enhance the leaders influence.
Just Do Something, Kevin DeYoung Many people spend a lifetime waiting to do something great for God. All God really wants is for us to just do something!
In, But Not Of, Hugh Hewitt This year was my second time to read this book (will probably read it again in 2010). This book offers practical guidance on how the Christian man or woman should appropriately channel their ambitions, and how they can influence the world.
Breaking the Jewish Code, Perry Stone Why are the Jewish people so successful? Can their success be our success? The answers to these questions lie within the pages of this book by the Voice of Evangelism's founder and president. Stone's book outlines 12 secrets that will transform your life, family, health and finances.
Preaching in the Spirit, Dennis Kinlaw As ministers, the only way that our sermons can be effective is if the spirit of God is in them, and that same spirit moves on the hearer's of the message. If we want Gods spirit on our ministry we must first prepare for His Spirit in our lives. Related posts: Preaching in the Spirt (Self-Discovery); RSVP
Primal, Mark Batterson As Christians we need to return to the primal meaning of Christianity. This is to love the Lord our God, with all our hearts, soul, mind, and strength. Related post: Primal,Mark Batterson
How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else, Michael Gates Gill This is the memoir of Michael Gates Gill. A man who was born into wealth, and had everything. A man at the top of his business. But, he loses it all. When he runs out of options he goes to work at Starbucks (starts at the bottom). This book tells of the lessons he learned from his experiences and how Starbucks, and the people he meets working there, impact his life. Related post: Hello, Goodbye
Book Yourself Solid, Michael Port This business book reveals the secrets to successful marketing and selling. The secret is in truly knowing your business/company, but not only knowing it, know how to talk about it. The reader is taken through the steps of how to create excitement in potential customers, so they will utilize your service or product.
The Great Eight, Scott Hamilton The figure-skating phenomenon lists his eight methods to experience true happiness (even when you have every reason to be miserable). Related post: Scott Hamilton, The Great 8
Consulting for Dummies, Bob Nelson/Peter Economy I was interested in learning about what the job of a consultant actually entails. How it is done? How people make money doing it? Related post: Church Coach 
The Noticer, Andy Andrews Perception is reality. There are many ways to look at the same thing. It's all about perspective. Related post: The Noticer
Contemplative Youth Ministry, Mark Yaconelli A lot of youth groups have forgotten why they exist. The youth group should be more than an after school activity, or something for kids to do during church. The purpose of youth ministry is to share the love of Jesus. This responsibility is one that is to be shared by the entire church body, not just the "youth pastor". Yaconelli's book is all about getting back to what youth ministry is all about, Christ. Preparing the heart of the youth worker, staff, volunteer to effectively enable students to experience God. Related post: Churches These Days
Put Your Dream to the Test, John C. Maxwell This leadership expert identifes 10 questions to ask yourself, and answer, to make your dreams a reality. I had the opportunity to hear him teach on this at church (Christ Fellowship), and was able to have him autograph my copy. Related post: Dream Test 
It, Craig Groeschel Some churches have "it", and some don't. Through personal experiences with his church, Groeschel, reveals what he has found that determines if a church will have "it" or not.
How to Get Rich as a Televangelist or Faith Healer, Bill Wilson The reader is taken on an irreverent, tongue-in-cheek ride through the world of televangelism. This book calls out the secrets and tricks that the great "healers" use to make "miracles" occur, and tells how to make the right appeal so that your financial coffers will remain full.
The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leaders Day, John C. Maxwell Based on "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership", this book offers a six-week daily reading to help enhance the leaders influence. 
The Seven Faith Tribes, George Barna Brings to light the seven most influential "faith" groups in America. He enables the reader to understand what they each believe, how the act on those beliefs, and why it matters to us. Related post: 7 Faith Tribes
Just Do Something, Kevin DeYoung Many people spend a lifetime waiting to do something great for God. All God really wants is for us to just do something!
In, But Not Of, Hugh Hewitt This year was my second time to read this book (will probably read it again in 2010). This book offers practical guidance on how the Christian man or woman should appropriately channel their ambitions, and how they can influence the world.
Aftermath, Inc., Gil Reavill Tells the story of crime scene clean-up/biohazard technicians. What happens when CSI goes home?
Breaking the Jewish Code, Perry Stone Why are the Jewish people so successful? Can their success be our success? The answers to these questions lie within the pages of this book by the Voice of Evangelism's founder and president. Stone's book outlines 12 secrets that will transform your life, family, health and finances. 
Preaching in the Spirit, Dennis Kinlaw As ministers, the only way that our sermons can be effective is if the spirit of God is in them, and that same spirit moves on the hearer's of the message. If we want Gods spirit on our ministry we must first prepare for His Spirit in our lives. Related posts: Preaching in the Spirt (Self-Discovery); RSVP 
The 360 Degree Leader, John C. Maxwell This was my favorite read of the year. Many times we read or listen to these leadership experts, but we don't think we can apply the principles because we are not at the head leadership position of our organization. This book does away with that excuse, and offers practical advice on how to lead from any position within the organization.
Primal, Mark Batterson As Christians we need to return to the primal meaning of Christianity. This is to love the Lord our God, with all our hearts, soul, mind, and strength. Related post: Primal,Mark Batterson
Leaving Microsoft to Change the World, John Wood He had a comfortable job, an executive position at the top software company, and all the perks that go along with it. But, his life changed after a backpacking trip to Nepal, revealed the need for books and education for the children. He left his job, and created Room to Read. This is his story. (one of the best reads of 2009).
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Susan Boyle
I watched an inspiring story the other night. It's not a new story, it's one I am sure (by now) we are all familiar with. It is the story of Britain's Got Talent contestant, Susan Boyle.
It was a "rewind" type of program, all the players were being interviewed, they were showing the past footage of her performance. When the crowd first sees this woman, and she says that she can sing, you can see and almost feel the doubting and judgemental responses of the crowd and judges. They really have already written her off before she even sings one note.
But, then, she sings. The atmosphere of the crowd/judges shifts dramatically, from one of doubt and judgement, to one of enraptured awe. She is amazing!
There are people in our lives who doubt us, who judge us, who say we can't accomplish this dream or goal. Don't let those people determine who you are. Disappoint the naysayers.
Susan Boyle could have just given up and walked off the stage at the lack of hope she was given by the crowd. But, she new who she was, and what she was capable of. She persevered. Her dreams have become a reality.
When people display a judgemental or negative attitude toward you or what you can accomplish. Don't back down. Remember who you are and what you are capable of. More importantly remember Whose you are and what He is capable in your life!
It was a "rewind" type of program, all the players were being interviewed, they were showing the past footage of her performance. When the crowd first sees this woman, and she says that she can sing, you can see and almost feel the doubting and judgemental responses of the crowd and judges. They really have already written her off before she even sings one note.
But, then, she sings. The atmosphere of the crowd/judges shifts dramatically, from one of doubt and judgement, to one of enraptured awe. She is amazing!
There are people in our lives who doubt us, who judge us, who say we can't accomplish this dream or goal. Don't let those people determine who you are. Disappoint the naysayers.
Susan Boyle could have just given up and walked off the stage at the lack of hope she was given by the crowd. But, she new who she was, and what she was capable of. She persevered. Her dreams have become a reality.
When people display a judgemental or negative attitude toward you or what you can accomplish. Don't back down. Remember who you are and what you are capable of. More importantly remember Whose you are and what He is capable in your life!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Would you rather...
Would you rather....
For many years have acne that will go away when your 30, or for life have a birthmark the size of a quarter in the middle of your forehead?
For many years have acne that will go away when your 30, or for life have a birthmark the size of a quarter in the middle of your forehead?
Monday, December 21, 2009
Primal, Mark Batterson
Love the Lord Your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. (Mk. 12:30)
This is the passage that is explored in Mark Batterson's newest offering, Primal. The intent is to get back to what Christianity is really all about, take away all the unnecessary clutter, and be left with the basest tenant of the Faith. Primal Christianity is this, to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Batterson leads the reader on a journey to reach this point.
Part I: The Heart of Christianity
In his book "A Man After His Own Heart", Charles Siebert shares a scientific yet poetic depiction of a heart transplant he observed at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. Not long after, Siebert attended an annual banquet for transplant recipients, and he was deeply moved by their profound appreciation for life. They spoke in reverent tones about the second chance at life they had been given. They humbly acknowledged their responsibility to honor the donors. And many of them talked about new desires that accompanied their new hearts.Sieber concluded -- and his research is backed up by numerous medical studies -- that transplant recipients don't just receive a new heart. Along with that new heart, they receive whole new sensory responses, craving and habits. (pg. 16)
This is the beginning of primal Christianity, a change of heart.
Part II: The Soul of Christianity
The primal soul of Christianity is being aware of the presence of God. Batterson tells the story of the small, beautiful, island, Pingelap. This island is filled with every kind of beautiful plant. However, the inhabitants of the island are all colorblind. They live in the midst of all this beauty but have no idea how beautiful it really is.
...many of us are as blind to the wonder as the Pingelapians are to color. There are miracles all around us all the time, but we lack the perceptual capacity to perceive them. We are in the presence of God, but we are unaware of it. We are surrounded by the glory of God but can't see it. (pg. 59)
Part III: The Mind of Christianity
Loving God wit all your mind literally means loving God with all your mind. It means managing your mind. It means making the most of your mind. It means loving God logically and creatively, seriously and humorously, intuitively and thoughtfully. (pg. 94)
Imagination is a form of God worship. As we surrender our imaginations, and creativity to Him. We are worshipping, as we worship He fills our minds with more imaginations and creativity for His glory.
Part IV: The Strength of Christianity
God desires for our strength to be surrendered to Him. As we physically serve others (mission trips, work days, etc.) God is worshiped. A lot of people want to stay away from the "labor" ministries (set up/tear down, work and witness, service projects), and stick with the "easy" ministries. However, those people miss out on one of the four primal factors of our Faith. God desires our strength. As we work, and wear our physical bodies down, for Him, He is worshipped.
Let this be the first book you read in 2010! Return to the primal foundations of the faith. Embark on "A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity".
Let this book set your spiritual tone for 2010!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Knockout Entrepreneur, George Foreman
This book wins my worst read of the year award. Anybody serious about business, entrepreneurship, or just reading in general should avoid this book.The principles, and ideas contained in its pages are paper thin, and are nothing new, groundbreaking or earth shattering. This book is replete with references to everything that "George Foreman" has done ("I did this, this happened to me, I obtained this").
From someone who has authored several books, this is a major disappointment. This may be able to slide by from a first time author, but not so, from a supposedly seasoned business person, and author. This book was so horrible, that I could not even bring myself to finish reading it.
Do not buy this book. Skip it.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
"Would you rather..."
Would you rather thoroughly lick the entire surface of ten $1 bills and $2 worth of quarters; or, thoroughly lick the mouthpieces of four football players after a game?
Monday, December 14, 2009
Give More, Spend Less:Advent Conspiracy
A situation I have always wondered about, and never really understood is this...
If it is my birthday, and I have a great party, everyone comes and brings me a gift. I don't buy gifts for them on my birthday. At Christmas, Christ's birthday, we give gifts to everybody except for Him. Doesn't really make sense to me.
We could say how can we give a gift to Christ? The gift that Christ wants from us is this gift of generosity. Generosity, with our time, money, and resources (stuff).
"Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. [Let them] do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." (1 Tim. 6:17-19)
If it is my birthday, and I have a great party, everyone comes and brings me a gift. I don't buy gifts for them on my birthday. At Christmas, Christ's birthday, we give gifts to everybody except for Him. Doesn't really make sense to me.
We could say how can we give a gift to Christ? The gift that Christ wants from us is this gift of generosity. Generosity, with our time, money, and resources (stuff).
"Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. [Let them] do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." (1 Tim. 6:17-19)
I like the part that says God "gives us...things to enjoy". Growing up in church, we are always taught that God supplies our needs. However, this passage says that God "richly" supplies our wants.
We lack in generosity, because we fear what we may lose. We do not give money because we want to save it for something special, we do not give time because it's "our time" for us to do our thing, we do not share our resources because they may be limited. However, God promises that those things we are being stingy for (things for our enjoyment) will be provided. God will reward our generosity, by providing thing for us to enjoy.
The passage says to "do good" or be generous. This Christmas think about your circle of influence (the people you know, the jobs you work, the "circles" you are part of) and consider the needs that are present. What can you do to meet those needs? Can you skip out on a Christmas present, so that you have more money for generosity? Can you skip one Christmas party to spend time with someone who is lonely? Can you share a resource or give something away that will be of greater benefit to others?
If you see a need, do something about it. God has called us to generosity.
This call to generosity has no greater example than that of Christ himself. We are all born into this world with a need. The need for a savior, the need for a relationship with Jesus Christ. God looked upon us and saw our need. He could have done nothing, instead, He sent Jesus. He sent Jesus on Christmas day for the express purpose of giving His life for our need. Our need for forgiveness of sins.
This Christmas, be generous.
Give More, Spend Less.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Original B-I-B-L-E
We are surrounded by every resource imagineable to achieve effective Bible study. We have a plethora of commentaries, dictionaries, concordances, web sites (blueletterbible.com), and study Bibles to choose from and use. I myself have invested in several types of study Bibles, I have the NIV Student Bible, the Archaelogical Study Bible, the American Patriots Bible, and more. I have purchased these products to enhance my knowledge of the scriptures, to learn/know more about God and His Word. These things are great, but perhaps we need less.
I have put aside the study Bibles with their copious notes, sidebars, and cross references, and am just reading a Bible that has the Words of Christ in red. I am learning more about God, and drawing closer to Him than I have with these various other study books.
You see, the Christian faith is a heart faith, more than a head faith. As I read God's Word, uninhibated by scholars notes/opinions/thoughts, I have more opportunity to reflect on the scripture itself, and what God is speaking o me through it.
Use the study tools, occasionally. But, always make time to just simply read God's Word.
I have put aside the study Bibles with their copious notes, sidebars, and cross references, and am just reading a Bible that has the Words of Christ in red. I am learning more about God, and drawing closer to Him than I have with these various other study books.
You see, the Christian faith is a heart faith, more than a head faith. As I read God's Word, uninhibated by scholars notes/opinions/thoughts, I have more opportunity to reflect on the scripture itself, and what God is speaking o me through it.
Use the study tools, occasionally. But, always make time to just simply read God's Word.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Free Resources
Just wanted to take a minute to introduce you to a good resource...Key Life.org. This is home to the Bible teaching of Steve Brown, dedicated to getting you, and those you love, Home with radical freedom, infectious joy, and surprising faithfulness to Christ as your crowning achievement.
Steve Brown is a radio broadcaster, seminary professor and author. He previously served as a pastor for over twenty-five years and now devotes much of his time to the radio broadcast, Key Life.
He has available free teaching CD's, and a free periodical. These are great resources, Steve offers a very unique perspective of the scriptures.
Steve Brown is a radio broadcaster, seminary professor and author. He previously served as a pastor for over twenty-five years and now devotes much of his time to the radio broadcast, Key Life.
He has available free teaching CD's, and a free periodical. These are great resources, Steve offers a very unique perspective of the scriptures.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
"Would you rather..." Wednesdays
Welcome to a new Experience Shift feature! Every Wednesday we will post a new "would you rather" scenario. Simply, put your response in the comments section below (write your reasoning, too).
Heres to the first "would you rather" Wednesday!
Would you rather have 5 bottles stuck on the finger of one hand for a year, or a bucket stuck on your foot for a year?
Heres to the first "would you rather" Wednesday!
Would you rather have 5 bottles stuck on the finger of one hand for a year, or a bucket stuck on your foot for a year?
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