Merry Christmas!

"The Son of God became a Son of man so the sons of man can be called children of God!" 

- C.S. Lewis

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; 

he is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:11)

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas. 

The blog will be back in January.

Christmas Surprises and Talking Boats!

1. WestJest Christmas Miracle - (via YouTube)


2. The Talking Boat - (via YouTube)

3. Teaching Your Kids To Pray - (via Bullet Point Dad)

• Teach your kids that praying is easy.
• Each day…have them thank God for one thing…anything.
• Each day…have them ask God to help them with one thing…anything.
• Pray out loud in front of them for these two things.

4. Swinging, the way it should be done - (via YouTube)

5. An unexpected X-Factor Audition - (via YouTube)
**If you can't watch all of it, fast forward to the 2 minute mark

Time over time.

I ran across an article about preparing for a rainy day. This isn't an article about saving for college or a broken furnace. It's about planning ahead to make art that will only work when it rains. It's actually very cool. The link that shows you how to do it is right here. Basically, you prepare something fun for the family to see, but you don't get the payoff until it rains sometime down the road. It works because we know it will rain someday. Rain is inevitable.  

It made me think about life and how time is fleeting. We live in an instant gratification culture that seeks the payoff now. Buy Now - Pay later allows us to get the car now! Why wait when you can get what you want now? Unfortunately, this mindset leaks over into our family lives as well, doesn't it? You plan big trips or family dinners in hopes that it will fix whatever your "thing" is or whatever "issue" is pulling your child away from you. The problem is that instant gratification doesn't work in the context of relationships. Relationships take time. Relationships take intentionality. 

The problem is that intentionality takes time and time is fleeting!

Psalm 90:12 says "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Rainy days will come in the lives of the people we care about most. What we do today can shape the results of that rainy day. To begin, we have to understand that making a difference in the life of someone else doesn't happen instantly, in one conversation, one moment together. We are making history now. The problem is, when you are making history, you usually don't know it. Our vision gets foggy past today. 

You can help someone, your child, your friend, learn something with time that you never could in a moment. God models this with us, as His children. He modeled it throughout the history of His people. God knows something about us that we haven't seemed to understand: relationships take time over time. What kind of history are you writing right now? Are you ok with the history you're writing in the lives of your children? Rain will come. I want those who are dearest to me to see the bigger picture when the rain comes. I want them to be able to make wise decisions when the rain comes. I want them to choose the right friends when I'm not there with them. I want them to remain faithful to God when those around them are not. Those are things that aren't learned with words, but time and intentionality. Maybe with time and intentionality, we can change the world...one life at a time. 

Did you know?

Today is the 45th anniversary of the first computer mouse! Who knew they'd been around that long? As a confirmed computer geek that is worth mentioning. I can't imagine life without a computer mouse.

However, that's not what Monday's Mentions are about. I try to highlight some of the "wins" within Campbellsville Christian Church. Last night at our monthly board meeting I asked our church Elders and Deacons about some of the wins* they've witnessed this month. Here's what they highlighted:

• All of the Micah 6:8 service projects coming out of 40 Days in the Word.
• Operation Baby Rescue raising more than $14,000
• Support for shelters in Taylor and Marion counties
• Local School backpack programs that supply food to children over the weekends.
• 17 of our P-5th graders memorized the verse of the month in November - Proverbs 8:10 "Choose my teaching instead of silver. Choose knowledge rather than fine gold." (NIrV)
• Completion of the church directories especially Lynn & Nancy Farmer and Jennifer Clark
• Gail Godsey's leadership in the Hearts 2 Help fundraiser supporting the local homeless shelter (and being chosen as this years Kiwanis "Santa's Helper" award - quite an honor in recognition of her service of the community)

What about you? What are some "wins" you've spotted recently?

*A win is defined as evidence that a person or group of people are becoming "rooted in God's love." For more information about becoming "rooted," click here to be directed to our church website "rooted" page.

Book Review: Clear Winter Nights by Trevin Wax

Clear Winter Nights by Trevin Wax is a short novel about a young Christian grappling with his faith, his family, his past, and his future. While the author does write a compelling short story with a plot that is easy to follow and characters anyone can relate to, this story has more than one layer. 

What I found to be even more valuable was that as the main character, Chris, grappled with some challenging issues I, as the reader, was allowed to grapple with them as well and receive some sound advice as well. I would recommend this easy read book to anyone who has ever doubted their faith or the relevance of the church or wanted to help someone who was. 

**I promise book reviews won't become a regular feature of my blog, but from time to time I might let you know what I think about a book I've been reading. Recently, as I've been working on my Masters degree I haven't had much time to read anything other than textbooks. I'm in between classes now. And, in the spirit of full disclosure, I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review. However, I would never recommend a resource to you unless it were, in my opinion, worth your while and useful for your spiritual growth.

It's been a while. Nice to see you again.

I've been much less consistent in blogging recently. For that, I apologize. Grad school has been taking its toll recently. I wanted to share some of my favorites with you this Friday morning, so here you go:

1. 3 One Liners That Make A Difference in Our Marriage - (via Married People)

Three simple statements that revolutionize your marriage: "We have rich people problems." "Do you want me to fix it or feel it?" "We know tragedy and this isn't it." Click here to get the full story.

2. Children's Media Use in America, 2013 - (via Common Sense Media)

3/4 of all (American) kids have access to mobile devices at home. What are they doing with them? 

3. Leftover Food is Good But Leftover You is Bad - (via Bullet Point Dad)

A new favorite blog of mine. He writes short, bullet pointed thoughts about fatherhood. Check it out here.  

4. This isn't a photograph of Morgan Freeman - (via Relevant Magazine)

It was painted on an iPad. Get the story here. 

5. Surreal Painted Faces Make Us Question What We Are Seeing - (via My Modern Met)

Have a great weekend!

Book Review: The Global War on Christians

Well, that's an evocative title, isn't it? There's a "war" on everything in recent years: we've got wars on terror, wars on education, wars on poverty, and we've even managed to have a war on Christmas! So what about this title, "The Global War on Christians?" It's a bit overkill, isn't it? There's not really a war with Christians as their target. Christians get asked to keep quiet in political situations. We might be the butt of a joke on television from time to time, but there's really not a "war" on Christians. 

Author John L. Allen, s senior correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter and Vatican analyst for CNN thinks otherwise. He writes,

 "The United States, with roughly 225 million Christians is conventionally described as the largest Christian nation in the world. Yet the United States represents only 10% of the 2.2 billion Christians in the world, which means 90% of the Christians on the planet aren't necessarily like Americans." (284)

Allen reminds us of something that we, as American Christians, often forget: we are the exception, not the rule.

The International Society of Human Rights (Germany-based nongovernmental organization founded in 1972) estimates that 80% of all acts of religious discrimination in the world today is directed at Christians. (33)

Allen tells story after story of Christian persecution throughout the global South: Africa, Asia, Latin America as well as the Middle East and Eastern Europe. 

Former U.S. Senator Hiram Warren Johnson said, "The first casualty when war comes is truth." Allen seeks to bring some of the myths related to the global persecution of Christians to light as he devotes a chapter to breaking some of the most commonly accepted myths. The myth:

• that Christians are at risk only where they are a minority
• that no one saw this coming
• that it's all about Islam (it's really not, despite what media outlets might want us to think)
• that it's only persecution if the motives are religious
• that anti-Christian persecution is a political issue

Though numbers are nearly impossible to assimilate, numbers from various advocacy groups vary slightly, it is estimated that there are between 100,000 to 150,000 new Christian martyrs every year. STOP. Go back and re-read this again.

Unlike so many other writers, Allen's approach is not a gloom and doom story. He proposes several effective ways to take action on behalf of our brothers and sister in Christ around the world. 

Allen recounts a story from Rwanda:

After the genocide began in Rwanda in 1994, Munzihirwa (a Catholic missionary ultimately killed for his resistance to the injustices of his nation) became an outspoken protector of the Hutu refugees who flooded his diocese. His martyrdom was not unexpected, at least not to him. Munzihirwa had written in an Easter meditation: "Despite anguish and suffering, the Christian who is persecuted for the cause of justice finds spiritual peace in total and profound assent to God, in accord with a vocation that can lead even to death."

Why have we not stopped and paid attention? Why is no one listening? 

At Munzihirwa's funeral someone recalled his favorite saying: "There are things that can be seen only with eyes that have cried." (49)

John Allen's eyes cry for us so that we cab a glimpse of this global war on Christians. 

Find out more about The Global War on Christians here:

• Authors Website
• Read Chapter One
• Author Bio

** In the spirit of full disclosure, I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review. However, I would never recommend a resource to you unless it were, in my opinion, worth your while and useful for your spiritual growth.

What Timothy Green reminded me...

Parents will drive you crazy with the things they say over and over again, won't they? At first they're always harping on you to brush your teeth, clean your room, change your underwear...how overbearing! As you get older it becomes "Buckle up and drive safely!" "Cherish this time it won't last." Then you move away from home, thinking you're free. Nope. "You need to start planning for retirement!" "Don't buy new...you can save a ton going used!" Then, when our first child was born it became "He'll grow up so fast! Hang on and enjoy every moment." People say that all the time. Honestly, it always annoyed me. As it would turn out, they say it because they learned something a long time ago and Timothy Green reminded me of it tonight. I need to confess up front, this blog post is for me, rather to me. If it resonates with you, great, but it's more what I need to hear. 

Since the kids are off for Thanksgiving break, we stayed up late last night and had a movie night. The selection, The Odd Life of Timothy Green - a Disney film. Cute movie. The entire family enjoyed it. Without spoiling the plot, I'll give you the gist. This child is dropped into the lives of this couple. They immediately fall in love with him. Everything is great, except he has leaves growing on his legs. Leaves sort of represent the passage of time and life experiences. The family begins to take Timothy's existence for granted, not realizing that he won't be around for long. 

It isn't an overly sappy film, but it reminded me of how precious each moment is in life. Not every one of them will be happy or full of giggles. There will be plenty of moments filled with frustration, disappointment, tattling, crying, and hurt. Regardless of the circumstance, each moment is precious because we are on a journey together, not knowing where it will lead but knowing that each moment together is a point along the path. 

“Show me, Lord, my life’s end

and the number of my days;

let me know how fleeting my life is.

You have made my days a mere handbreadth;

the span of my years is as nothing before you.

Everyone is but a breath,

even those who seem secure." - Psalm 39:4-5, NIV

I know, I know, it's depressing. The fact that it's depressing doesn't change the reality of it. Sometimes we need to hear it. On average, you have 936 weeks from the birth of a child until their high school graduation. Lord willing, I have 595 weeks left with my son. 699 with my daughter. I know for some of you, you winced and are thinking that I shouldn't think like that. What I am discovering is that if I don't live with a constant awareness of this temporary life and my temporary time here, I might inadvertently waste my life. I might miss out on the influence I could have on those around me, specifically those closest to me. I might also miss out on the lessons I need to learn from them. 

I may only be a breath, but I want my breath to count. I want my breath to bring out the best in those in my care. I dare you to pray this Psalm - "Lord, show me the number of my days. Remind me of the temporariness of my life. Remind me that I am but a breath, that I am barely a blip in light of eternity. Lord, use me to make my blip, my breath honor you."

Time is fleeting. Many of us will be celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow and you're already doubling up your blood pressure medicine because of that crazy Aunt that you can't stand, because of the constant nagging, comparison games, and the noise. Moses said it this way:

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.  - Psalm 90:12, NIV

It's that last part that we miss out on. We don't number our days to be depressed. We don't number our days so that we will slow down and take time to ooh and awww about our kids and grandkids. We live in a constant awareness of the frailty of life that we may gain a heart of wisdom. So, slow down, don't get worked up when things don't go how you want when you want, remember - he's 6, she's 4, and she's 9. Don't let people get to you. You're merely a breath...don't waste it on the unimportant and irrelevant. Use your breath for influence. Use your breath to build the Kingdom of God. Use your breath to change the world. You are a breath in progress. May you discover a heart of wisdom as you breathe. 

Oh! I forgot you were still here. I hope I wasn't rambling. Thanks for reading.  Happy Thanksgiving. 

Day 41

Yesterday was the final day of our 40 Days in the Word campaign. So many great things have happened as a result of these past 40 days. Here's just a few:

• I've heard people say things like "The Bible has been brought to life for me!" "I never knew how to study on my own before this." "This is exactly what I needed!" 
• Groups were asked to do a Micah 6:8 service project. Many have supported local community ministries.
• One group raised over $1,000 for our local backpack program that ensures that children have food to eat when they are home for the weekends.
• Another group is hosting a benefit concert next Monday, Dec. 2nd at Ransdell Chapel on the campus of Campbellsville University with a goal to raise $12,000 to rescue 12 babies from impoverished nations. Read all about it and give online here.
• Yet another group is planning to host a "Soup Kitchen on Wheels" this winter, delivering meals to some of the people with the greatest need in the community. 
• Others have supported our church food pantry. 

The point is this: When you invest God's Word in your life, something is stirred to action in you. You can't exactly explain it, but you know it is God at work in you. 

We finished the preaching series yesterday morning with the challenge to be grateful in response to God's work in you. We asked you to simply write what you are thankful for. This was the result:

We have much to be thankful for. But you already knew that. Sometimes it is helpful to write it down, isn't it. 

Joel's final application yesterday morning was to write a thank you note to someone. If you were here, you have no excuses. We gave you the card and envelope. Now, on day 41, send it. 

The worst thing that could happen on Day 41 is that you allow what God has started, to end. Continue to allow God's Word to speak into your life, direct your life, and change your life! Have a great Monday!

The Bubonic Plague & A Hymnal:

The world isn't getting any better is it? Do you find yourself more and more frustrated, angry, and sometimes hopeless when you read or watch the news of the day. Government's making bad decisions. Hatred. Murder. You wonder, when will it all end? 

I'm in my second semester of graduate school.** I've been reading a challenging book (meaning - I'm struggling to understand the words), but in the middle of my reading, I found a story I've never heard before and knew I had to share. 

You've probably heard of a guy named Martin Luther (1483-1546), the earliest leader of the Reformation movement. One could talk about Luther's investment in the history of Christianity for months. I want to focus in on one little slice of time, 1527 to be exact:

In 1527, the bubonic plague swept throughout Germany, decimating the population, and eventually found its way to the tiny town of Wittenberg. Martin Luther was forced to confront the threat while tormented with various digestive-tract ailments of his own— so much so that he reached the point of despair. “I felt,” Luther wrote to his closest friend, Philipp Melanchthon, “completely abandoned by Christ.” Melanchthon himself had already fled the plague. Despite these convulsions, both personal and national, Luther intervened on behalf of the masses who were being stricken by the plague. The elector had begged him to leave, but the Reformer instead disseminated an essay entitled “Whether One May Flee from a Deadly Plague,” and urged political leaders and church leaders to stay behind and set up homes for the sick. True to his word, Luther soldiered on in Wittenberg, lecturing to empty classrooms and returning home each night to his Katie and a house filled with those afflicted by the plague. In fact, their home remained under quarantine until after the plague had lifted. It was during these days that Luther penned the words to “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” (*1)

Here are the lyrics to the final verse:

That word above all earthly pow'rsNo thanks to them abidethThe Spirit and the gifts are oursThru Him who with us sidethLet goods and kindred goThis mortal life alsoThe body they may killGod's truth abideth stillHis kingdom is forever

Often, this song is believed to be addressing the attacks from the Roman Catholic church, but when we read the lyrics in light of the circumstances people were facing, it seems to have been more about what to do when there is no political solution to the threats society faces. 

It seems Christians fail to remember that Jesus is the hope for the world. Our money, political involvement, the systems of this world cannot fix the ultimate problem in this world. Sin. The United States of America cannot legislate a solution to it. (Or any other government, for that matter) The education system will not fix it. 

the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people.  To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:26-27) 

Did you catch that? We know the answer to the greatest problem in the world! It's not hidden from us. The world will scramble, trying to find cures and solve problems; not knowing the cures and solutions they are looking for only address symptoms of the bigger problem. 

In you lies the answer the world needs. "Christ in you, the hope of glory." Disease may kill our bodies. Wars may destroy nations. Societal morality may crumble. Famines and natural disasters may decimate the population. Genocides, Abortion, Suicide, and all the world's woes may overwhelm us. Luther would put it this way: "This mortal life also, the body they may kill, God's truth abideth still, His kingdom is forever!" 

Live today with a sense of urgency that the world may know they've been looking for the wrong answer. Jesus is hope! Jesus is Truth! Jesus is life! Jesus is salvation! Jesus is in you! Jesus Christ is the hope for the world and He is IN you!

________________________________________________________________________


**I should clarify...this is my second of something like 12 semesters - 1 class at a time. Don't be impressed.

(*1) Thornbury, Gregory Alan (2013-03-31). Recovering Classic Evangelicalism: Applying the Wisdom and Vision of Carl F. H. Henry (Kindle Locations 3090-3099). Crossway. Kindle Edition. 

Church

Challenging....

Friday Five (11/8/13)

1. New (to us) Family Activity - Geocaching

Did this last night with the kids and was a big hit. Think treasure hunt using GPS. It's a blast. There's plenty of treasures to find right here in Taylor County! Find all the details here. 

2. Five Conversation Jumpstarters for Families - (via Radical Parents)

We want you to talk to your kids and we want them to talk back to you. Most all parents know that sometimes this is easier said than done. Today we want to offer you 5 ideas for starting a conversation with your teenager.

 3. A Biblical Alternative to Nationalized Healthcare - (via Bob Russell)

rather than just ridiculing the government’s incompetence, can anyone present a realistic alternative to solve the nation’s complex health-care problems? I wish public officials would consider some basic principles from the Bible about caring for the poor. While the Bible is primarily a book introducing us to salvation through Jesus Christ, it is also the best blueprint for a good life here. CHECK OUT BOB'S GREAT THOUGHTS HERE

4. Emotional Baby - (via YouTube)

5. Quote of the Week - (via Carey Nieuwhof)

Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured. -- Mark Twain

Have a great weekend! 

Only Jesus

Let this encourage you today:

Wins (seen and unseen)

As I've mentioned before we start off each week's church staff meeting talking about "wins" from the week. We are in the process of creating definitions for wins within each activity that happens within the church. In the broader scope of things, we define a win as anything that is outward evidence of people moving towards the goal of being "rooted in God's love." 

We have goals for all our people.  Yes, we have goals for our adults, but we are equally concerned about, and have goals for our teens and children. If you were in worship yesterday you witnessed a win. During both of our services we invited up a group of children to the platform, not to perform for us, but to engage in worship with us. 

The children came forward and sang "Our God" with the praise band, and you, the congregation. It was an exciting thing to be part of as children were not just present in a worship service but that they are the Church as much as anyone else in the room. They were shown that they can worship with adults, with teens, because we all have the same audience of one, our heavenly Father. This is one of many ways our children's ministry workers are leading our children to become "rooted in God's love" alongside parents who model these values at home. 

We also know that there are many wins that you don't get to see. Here's one for you: I love seeing these types of things on the bulletin tear-off:

So, let's celebrate together as a church, what are some wins you've witnessed in your own life or the lives of others?

5. 11/1/13

As you sit today, in your sugar-induced coma, please enjoy this week's 5 favorites:

1. The Secret of Superman - (via Orange Parents)

The right story can inspire.

The right story can incite faith.

The right story can give hope. (Read the rest)

2. Twelve Cultural Trends Churches Cannot Ignore - (via Carey Nieuwhof)

While there are dozens of trends that are impacting the church, the trends outlined below are what I would call ‘organizational sleepers’. We all see them. Our lives are impacted by them every day. But many leaders are not talking about their impact. One of the reasons we’re not talking about these issues might be that few of these trends have implications for the church that are clear cut or obvious. (Find out what these 12 things are here)

3. Oldest Selfies - (via Neatorama)

(circa 1900)

4. Most Popular Boy's Names in US from 1960-present - (via Neatorama)

5. Really Important Maps - (via Married People)

Highest Paid Public Employees

See many other interesting maps here.

 Have a great weekend! 

Laughing at Jesus. #40DITW

The other day I was doing my 40 Days in the Word journal and read this passage from Mark:

Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet.  He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.”  So Jesus went with him.  A large crowd followed and pressed around him.......

[On his way to the leader's house, Jesus takes time to talk with and heal a woman]

 While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?”     Overhearing  what they said, Jesus told him,  “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”.......When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly.  He went in and said to them,  “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.”    But they laughed at him.  After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was.  He took her by the hand and said to her,  “Talitha koum!”  (which means  “Little girl, I say to you, get up!” ).  Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. (Mark 5:22-24, 35-36, 38-42, NIV)

A few things struck me that day and I thought I would share them with you.  

1. Jesus can handle our doubts. I am sure that this little girl's family was frustrated that Jesus took too long. Then, after arriving too late, he has the audacity to tell them their diagnosis was incorrect. "As if we don't know what dead is! Can you believe this guy?" They laugh. Jesus was undeterred. Our doubts don't change God's plans. 

2. Jesus will resurrect our bodies and restore us to who we were meant to be. This child, once dead, now walks! (I bet they stopped laughing!) I think I often get caught up in this world and all its troubles and fail to remember that this state of being is temporary. I am in good health, I have a sound mind (though some might argue this point), but I am but a shadow of what I am made for. You and I are made for unity with our Father in heaven. We were made for His presence for eternity. I cannot accomplish this on my own and neither can you. We need a mediator, a savior, one who can make us perfect. 

Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered  and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him  and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 5:8-10, NIV) 

This served for me as an encouragement to me that Jesus can handle my doubt and that He alone has power over life, death, and all eternity.  

Friday 5 (10/25/13)

In case you hadn't noticed. 2 months from today is Christmas. Stop, re-read that. Yeah, you read it right, Christmas. Unreal. On to today's 5:

1. What Parents Should Say as Their Kids Perform - Growing Leaders

What we parents may not recognize is the pressure and angst this kind of involvement applies. May I tell you what student-athletes are telling me? - See more

2. What Can We Do with an Addiction to Technology? - Growing Leaders

Five Ideas You Can Practice:1. Teach your young people to balance “screen time” with “face time.” For every hour they spend in front of a screen, they should spend equal hours face to face with people. This will help them keep their soft skills high as they enter a job. READ THE REST

3. Baby Dressed as Stickman for Halloween - Laughing Squid

4. SIX DECADES OF THE MOST POPULAR GIRL NAMES - PaperMag

5. Father's Reaction to Seeing Son's Report Card - Relevant Magazine

Read the Back Story Here

Am I missing the point?

Are you participating in the 40 Days in the Word group studies? I know there are around 120 adults participating from the church. I continue to hear great things. I was reading yesterday in Mark 3:1-6:

Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there.  Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath.  Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand,  “Stand up in front of everyone.”       Then Jesus asked them,  “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?”  But they remained silent.     He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man,  “Stretch out your hand.”  He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.  Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus. (Mark 3:1-6, NIV)

If you're doing the 40 Days study with us, this week you are practicing the "Picture It" method of Scripture meditation. Honesty, in this story I relate most to the Pharisees. I like rules and I like it when everyone follows the rules. God gave them the law "Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy..." That ultimately further explained to mean "don't work...you need to rest."

I get that. It seems that over time the religious leaders have missed the heart of God in keeping with the letter of the law. Jesus did this all the time: a woman should be stoned for adultery - Jesus forgives. Jesus said of the 6th Commandment "Do not murder," that even anger with someone is the same as murder. Time after time Jesus turns things that we know on their heads to show us the heart of God. Jesus saw a crippled man in need, regardless of the day, and took action. 

It causes me to wonder on what other things have I missed the point?

How do we know we can trust the Bible?

I've been hearing some great things in the lives of those who are "all in" for the church-wide 40 Days in the Word campaign! Lives are being changed because people are diving into God's perfect, inerrant, infallible Word of God. 

Yesterday morning we discussed how we can know we can trust God's Word as God's actual Word. We talked about 7 things:

1. It's Historically Accurate
2. It's Scientifically Accurate
3. It's Prophetically Accurate
4. It's Thematically Unified
5. It's Confirmed by Jesus
6. It's survived all attacks
7. Finally, it has transforming power.

We covered a TON of content and it may have been overwhelming. If you're interested in learning more, let me suggest some great resources:

1. "The Case For..." Series by Lee Strobel (The Case for Christ, Faith, and a Creator) - These books are written from the perspective of an investigative reporter and former atheist. 

2. What Every Christian Ought to Know - Adrian Rodgers

3. Evidence That Demands a Verdict - Josh McDowell

10/18/13 - Friday Five

I missed this week's Wednesday's Word. My apologies to you about that. I try to remain faithful to blogging three times a week. Anyway, here you go:

1. Things My Wife Does for Me That I Take for Granted - (via Ron Edmunson)

That’s when it hit me. How many things does she do that I take for granted? She just does them. I don’t even know when she does them all the time. She just does. Find out what they are here.

2. How to Find a Mentor - (via Relevant Magazine)

OK, so you've decided: you want a mentor. Why wouldn't you? Mentors are great. A good mentor is like an awesome park ranger to your life. They point out truth, they explain different paths, they tell you what poisonous creatures to watch out for. They gently offer suggestions that make your journey better. Especially in our twenties and thirties, a good mentor can bring clarity and encouragement just when we need it.

But finding a mentor is where a lot of us stall. Where exactly are these mentors at? How do you find one? Here are some tips that might help: READ IT HERE

3. Favorite Advertisers - A German marketing company found a creative way to advertise on ATM's

 

4. The Saddest US Government Shutdown Photo - (via Neatorama)

5. Happy Moments in Animal History - (via Buzz Feed)

Have a great weekend!

#40DITW

We launched into a new church-wide study called 40 Days in the Word yesterday. Our first of seven sermon's challenged us to build our lives on the Bible. 13 Small Groups are beginning a companion study that will teach each of us a simply and fruitful way to study God's Word.

A.W. Tozer said "Theological truth is useless until it is obeyed."

How often have I read the Word, walking away completely forgetting what t said! I think the same could be said of most of us. Campbellsville Christian Church doesn't want to see this happen any more. In an effort to become rooted in God's love, we must express our love for God through Study. 


Want to get in on the action? It's not too late. Simply go to www.40ditw.com and sign up for the daily video devotionals. They're free and easy to use. 

Secondly, if you're tweeting, facebooking, instagramming, etceteraing use the hashtag #40ditw. For instance, check out my twitter feed over there on the right of this. You can see some examples of where I've hashtagged it up for you. I am very excited to see all God will accomplish through this body as we dig into the Word.