A Cup Of Coffee With Bart

2012-01-16T12:35:00.000-08:00

Just in case you missed this commercial during the Broncos/Patriots game...

Great job Focus on the Family!!

Read an excerpt from an article by Tom Holladay of Saddleback Church...

2011-12-28T14:35:00.000-08:00

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” (Luke 16:10)

How you spend your money says a lot about how much you can be trusted...
How you manage your money is a test from God...
That’s what Jesus tells us in the Parable of the Dishonest Manager of Luke 16.

God wants to see how trustworthy you are before He invests more in you...
He wants to invest more, but first He wants to see how you manage what you have.

Put yourself in God’s place...if you're observing how you manage what He's given you, would you consider yourself worthy of a greater investment?

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2011-12-19T15:51:00.000-08:00

Just read this great article from Chuck Swindoll...

"Imagine the scene: James and John approached Jesus one day...“We don’t want to be the center of Your kingdom, that’s Your place, but we want to sit right beside You, one on Your left and the other on Your right.”

The other disciples who heard this exchange were ticked off! The selfishness of James and John in wanting to be first was more than the others could stand.

That’s when Jesus gathered all the disciples and talked to them about being servants...
'You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. (Mark 10:42–44)

Ready for a little advice? Work on servanthood—genuine humility—and you’ll find people respecting you. Don't worry about being seen, heard, quoted, but give and serve others.

One of our granddaughters returned from camp one year wearing a button that illustrates this beautifully. It read: 'I’M THIRD.' When asked about it, I loved her reply...'Well, Jesus is always first, others are second, and I’m always third.'

Remember that phrase in our narcissistic culture—“I’m third.” No matter how much money you make, what your title is, how influential you may become, or how many people know your name or applaud you--keep reminding yourself, 'I’m third.'"

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You have to watch this video...

2011-12-15T13:44:00.005-08:00

This video from Northpoint Church is SO cool...

2011-12-02T12:06:00.000-08:00

2011-11-14T15:34:00.000-08:00

As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple...The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money from them. But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! (Acts 3:2-8)

This man was healed and strengthened instantly. He didn't require rehab or therapy.
He didn’t have to be taught how to walk or stand…even though he never had walked or stood in his entire life.

A huge miracle took place...a time when God acted above the laws of nature...
Because Peter faces the situation and publicly declares His trust in a supernatural God.

How many of us respond to situations like this?

Most of us try to avoid situations like this...we certainly wouldn’t bring God into the picture. Most of us try to keep our faith in God to ourselves...because we think it's a "private" thing.

I must realize that I can't do what Jesus calls me to do privately.

Remember what Jesus said in Acts 1 to all believers...
(Jesus) “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere.” (Acts 1:8)

How private does that sound?

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excerpt from "CHURCH: the big idea--part 10 free download at pathwayonline.org

Take the time to watch this...

2011-11-09T17:26:00.000-08:00

2011-11-07T13:29:00.000-08:00

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship,
and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. (Acts 2:42)

The term “fellowship” in Acts 2 is a much broader term than our English word…
The writer Luke is speaking of something like a "partnership" in the Holy Spirit.

We see this years later in the apostle Paul’s writing...
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. (Philippians 2:1-4)

The Bible clearly calls for believers to actively partner with other believers.

We have "fellowship" when we care for each other and practically meet others’ needs….
All the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. (Acts 2:44-45)

Real community exists when the welfare of all is the concern of all…
Real community exists when everyone gives everything they can to help each other.

This kind of community will not “just happen”…
It requires intentionality, effort, prioritizing and choices...
It will include changing our schedules to make time to be together…
We will have to dig deeper in our finances and share our resources.

The apostle Paul writes about this kind of community…
The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part…If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance. (1 Corinthians 12:25-26 )

How can we possibly know each other’s needs from a distance?
How can I possibly know your needs if we’re not relating up close and personal?

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excerpt from "Church:the big idea"--part 09 free download at pathwayonline.org

2011-10-21T13:31:00.000-07:00

I read this article from Focus on the Family and had to share it with you...

"Meghan and Pete fell madly in love at their small Midwestern college. When they weren't in class or working, they spent every waking moment together. After just a few months, the couple began to dance around the subject of marriage. A year later they made a commitment to one another before God and their friends and families. The married couple moved to Washington, D.C., where Meghan started an internship on Capitol Hill, and Pete waited tables while saving for medical school. In spite of the busyness of life, they loved the newness of marriage and their friendship.

Flash forward fifteen years...Meghan and Pete have four young children. Meghan left her job as a Senator's aid eight years ago to raise their newborn son. Pete, now a doctor, works long hours at a large teaching hospital in Bethesda, Maryland.

Unfortunately, they have lost the fire of friendship that once defined their relationship. They work hard to keep up with schedules, work, finances, church activities and taking care of the home – it is not uncommon for them to go a week or more without having a mere ten minute conversation about anything other than a recollection of events. At the suggestion of another Christian couple they've instituted a "date night" once a week. More often than not, however, this practice has fallen victim to the tyranny of the urgent.

Meghan and Pete's friendship in college was very real, but now they are no longer going in the same direction. In many ways, they have grown to be very different people.

'Marriage without friendship cannot work in our culture,' says Bill Hanawalt, who has conducted pre-marital and marital counseling for 30 years. 'Friendship has to be nurtured regularly or it faces the danger of becoming a business relationship. I have seen many distant and business-like marriages where careers have developed and children have come into the picture, and the priority of emotional connection has been left to die on the vine. Couples that don't give attention to developing their friendship often come apart. It also creates an opening for marital infidelity.'

Glenn Stanton, an expert on marriage at Focus on the Family and a husband and father of five children, echoes this sentiment. He says that a weakened friendship can lead a spouse to seek intimacy in other places. 'When the luxury of being friends with one another takes a back seat, friendships that are deep and intimate can develop in other places resulting in emotional, and even physical, adultery,' says Stanton.

'These kinds of friendships are obviously easier. Unlike your spouse, the other party has the luxury of being transparent and real without all of the other encumbrances and responsibilities of your family's life. We have no problem calling deep emotional intimacy between a spouse and another of the opposite sex wrong, however, if we're investing emotional capital in a same-sex relationship at the peril of the marriage, then that is also dangerous. In marriage the big issue is...am I investing more emotional energy into my spouse than I am in a friend or child?'

Pete and Meghan have taken small steps toward friendship restoration. Though Pete works long hours, he takes time during the day to call home and see how Meghan is doing with the children. If he's working late, she'll bring dinner to the hospital because she knows he hates hospital food. Their date nights no longer fall prey to the tyranny of the urgent. They take the time to get together weekly, not only to catch up with each others activities, but to check in on their friendship."

Copyright © 2007, Alyson Weasley. All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.

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2011-10-19T12:14:00.000-07:00

God first gave the Jews the ball and said, “What are you gonna do with it?” And they huddled up together and did nothing with it.

In Exodus 19 God told the nation of Israel that they were to be a kingdom of priests...they were to tell the world about the one true living God. But rather than reaching the world, they became proud, self-righteous and exclusive. They put on their Pharisaical robes and called everyone else a Gentile dog. They are an example of what the church must not do.

One day, Jesus told his followers..."Go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matt 28:19)
This is when Jesus gave the Church the ball and said...”What are you gonna do with it?”

The Church began as a movement to share the message of Jesus with the world.

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excerpt from "CHURCH: the big idea"--free downloads at pathwayonline.org

2011-09-21T13:05:00.000-07:00

You really need to watch this trailer for a movie that's coming out in theaters soon...

2011-09-07T14:44:00.000-07:00

Great song and video from Building 429

2011-09-06T13:15:00.000-07:00

Did you know God guides by what He provides or doesn't provide?

We see this clearly in the experience of the prophet Elijah...
The LORD said to Elijah, “Go to the east and hide by Kerith Brook, near where it enters the Jordan River. Drink from the brook and eat what the ravens bring you, for I have commanded them to bring you food.” So Elijah did as the LORD told him and camped beside Kerith Brook, east of the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook.
(1 Kings 17:2-6)

During droughts, creeks, brooks and wadis are the first bodies of water to dry up. This was a divine provision by God for Elijah...and then God adds his heavenly catering service to the mix by having ravens bring food to Elijah.

God is amazing in so many ways!

Elijah obeyed and everything happened as God said, but then he faced a change...
After a while the brook dried up, for there was no rainfall anywhere in the land.
(1 Kings 17:7)

Sometimes God pushes us to take a step of obedience by not providing something... Sometimes God wants us to move on and we need a little nudge in the right direction.

excerpt from "More--Part 07" free download at pathwayonline.org

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Our Well Repair Project in Sierra Leone

2011-08-31T15:39:00.000-07:00

I received a letter from The Water Project, the organization we partnered with in January to repair a well in Sierra Leone.

Our project is in the early stages of site selection and initial construction preparation. During this phase, teams are working to ensure that the community is mobilized and ready for the work to commence. They may be working with them to gather supplies, prepare the site or organize a local water committee to oversee the project for long term.

Our project is in collaboration with Living Waters International with an estimated completion date of February 2012.

Please watch this video to get an idea how we're helping...

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Take time to watch this...

2011-08-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

2011-08-02T10:57:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we act as though God has a suggestion box...
like we can suggest a better way of doing something to Him.

We talk to God in this way because we can figure things out.

For instance, we can forecast weather pretty accurately based on our understanding of high pressure, how pressure, wind currents, etc. We’ve figured out a lot about life systems...DNA, chromosomes and genetics. We’ve figured out how God does some of the things He does.

Another reason we think this way is that we can control things.

We can slow down the aging process...we can cause or increase reproduction...we can change the affects a disease has on a person. In some areas, we can even bend or cheat the laws of nature...like defying gravity by flying in an airplane.

We’re so advanced that we’ve learned ways to manipulate things, create environments and cause things that change things. We understand so many things and with that knowledge comes a bit of arrogance.

It's kinda like what happened the first time you figured out a magician's trick...and the magician’s status was lowered in your eyes because you figured it out. Since we know how you do it, we're not as impressed with you as we used to be and we feel we can question and make suggestions.

But even though, we live in an incredibly advanced culture...
What if God is really "God"?
What if we don’t have the right to question God’s way of doing things?

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” (Isaiah 55:8)

excerpt from "More--Part 04 free download at pathwayonline.org

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2011-07-21T17:15:00.000-07:00

Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. (John 5:2-5)

Get the picture in mind of a gathering of people who were disabled…
Some were blind, some were limping, some couldn’t walk at all…
This huge group of people waiting for a miracle…
Anything that could change their circumstances…
And we have one man that comes into the spotlight of the passage…

When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?” (John 5:6)

At first glance, Jesus’ question sounds funny…
But I believe the question isn’t about the WHAT but rather the WHO…
Jesus didn’t just happen to stroll by and strike up a conversation…
Jesus intentionally looked for this man and went right to him...
Because this was all about this man.

“I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.” Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!” Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! (John 5:7-9)

Jesus entered a group of desperate people, but only one was changed. This man lived 38 years without taking a step, and now he is walking.

Don’t miss the fact that he didn’t require rehab or physical therapy!
This guy went from paralyzed to walking around in seconds!
He’s not dependent on others anymore...He’s mobile...that's a miracle!

excerpt from "More"--Part 01 free download at pathwayonline.org

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2011-07-07T16:24:00.000-07:00

Don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. (James 1:22)

James speaks of something that happens every Sunday in every church. There’s a sense in which people think: "if I’m in the building, I get credit."

We think it’s good enough to simply attend a church service, sing a little, maybe clap our hands, and stay awake during the sermon. Somehow, we think God gives us credit for just being there to listen. And so we think we’re more religious or more spiritual people because of that.

We walk out of the church service feeling better about ourselves…
And the New Testament writer James says..."You’re fooling yourself if you think you’re growing spiritually in any way...it takes more than just attending, listening and having your family in church."

What you do with what God says makes all the difference

from "The Monster Within"--Part 07 free download at pathwayonline.org

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2011-07-05T15:30:00.000-07:00

One of the easy things to forget is that everything in the Bible is for people who are in a relationship with God.

When Moses came down with the 10 commandments, he didn’t say...
“These are laws for all people for all time all over the world.” No, God's laws were given to the nation of Israel--to people who already had a relationship with God.

It’s not that everybody can’t do what God says in the Bible—it’s simply that those who are in relationship with God are supposed to do what He says.

Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, the Church became confused and decided that all the laws in the Bible were for everyone...whether you were in a relationship with God or not. So we look over at our co-worker or neighbor and wrongly judge non-Christians based on what the Bible says Christians should do. (See 1 Corinthians 5:12-13)

If I try to apply God’s laws to outsiders of the faith...it’s the same as me trying to tell my neighbor’s kids what to do. I don’t tell my neighbor’s kids what time to go to bed, when to do their homework, or what they can watch on TV. Why? Because they are not my kids.

If you are a follower, you have no right to judge anyone outside the faith by the Bible...The Old Testament and New Testament are for people who have decided to follow God’s way of doing life

If someone isn’t in a relationship with God, they can apply anything they like in the Bible...but followers of God don’t get to choose what to apply based on what they like or don’t like in the Bible.

When God says something, followers must do it...
Isn't that what it means by “following”?

from "The Monster Within--Part 07 free download at pathwayonline.org

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2011-06-23T16:03:00.000-07:00

There are very few people in the world that would ever admit they are greedy. We might think someone else is greedy, but it’s next to impossible to see greed in the mirror, so I probably won’t work on it in my own life.

All too often though, greed becomes the filter through which we handle our finances and possessions...and it spills out all over our relationships.

Even though you can’t see greed in your own life, chances are...it’s there.

Jesus gives a warning to all of us..."Be careful and guard against all kinds of greed. Life is not measured by how much one owns."
(Luke 12:15)

Greed is living as if upgrading your lifestyle is the most important thing.

Unfortunately, when greed gets lodged in your heart, the people around you begin to feel your stuff is more important to you than they are. You hurt people’s feeling for the sake of getting more and protecting what you have...“Don’t sit on that...Don’t touch that...Be careful to not scratch that."

If I’m not careful, I can prioritize my stuff over someone’s feelings...
and soon, the people I love feel they are competing with my stuff.

That's ugly...that's greed.

from "The Monster Within"--Part 06 free download at pathwayonline.org

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2011-06-14T13:12:00.000-07:00

The Bible doesn’t shy away from talking about human sexuality.

In fact, God starts talking about it on page 1 in the Bible…
So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply.” (Genesis 1:27-28)

Do you realize the 1st commandment God gave humans was to have sex?

OK, granted…this was mainly for reproduction purposes...
But in Gen 2, we find more details about how God created man & woman…
Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man. “At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.’” This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame. (Genesis 2:22-25)

Notice what it says..."the man and HIS WIFE"...they were married...
This is different from the earlier references of "man and woman" or "male and female". At this moment, the man and woman were married and that's when God starts talking about sex.

Sex is to only be experienced within the commitment of marriage
Anything outside of that is not in the design of God.

from "The Monster Within"--Part 05 free download at pathwayonline.org

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2011-06-08T12:28:00.000-07:00

"Be angry, and yet do not sin…" (Ephesians 4:26)

Paul is saying there are going to be moments when you get angry.
There will be times of high emotion, high stress and high tension.
The Bible doesn’t say you can’t ever be angry.
The issue is when those feelings surface...
What do you do with what you feel?
The Bible says we must handle our anger so we do not sin or hurt others.

And then the apostle Paul gives us a word picture...
"do not let the sun go down on your anger..." (Ephesians 4:26)

Here’s the point…Be angry as short as possible
Be angry in the moment, but don’t carry it into tomorrow...
Don’t allow yesterday’s anger to carry into today...
Don’t allow today’s anger to carry into tomorrow.
The point is so very clear...Get rid of your anger as soon as possible

Why is this so important? Paul tells us with the very next verse...
"and do not give the devil an opportunity." (Ephesians 4:27)

Our word “opportunity” came from a Greek word which means “a place”.
In other words, as long as I carry anger, I give the devil a place in my heart.

So...if you were God and You loved you the way God loves you...
And if you understood anger the way God does...
What would you say to you?

I bet you’d say something just like this...
"Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity." (Ephesians 4:26-27)

from "The Monster Within"--Part 04 free download at pathwayonline.org

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Another challenge from Chuck Swindoll...

2011-06-06T10:51:00.000-07:00

We’re living in a day when most people are focused on one thing: economic survival. While that is certainly an important pursuit, it’s easy for that single objective to make us ignore something far more valuable.

Hard times often lead to lonely times--when we bear down on simply making ends meet...at the expense of no longer spending meaningful times with others. It’s time we openly admitted that this is too great a price to pay.

No matter how bad the times may get, we need friends. They are the secret of our making it through dark and desperate times without our becoming dark and desperate people.

excerpt from Chuck Swindoll's blog The Pastor's Soul, Role and Home

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Green-Eyed Monster

2011-06-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

In Shakespeare’s Othello Act 3 scene 3, Iago says "O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; it is the green-eyed monster which doth mock."

It’s kinda crazy, but when we bring up the topic of jealousy, we might admit that we were jealous of someone when we were younger, but not now. In fact, we’ll point out jealousy in other people, but never admit it in our own lives. We’ll admit we’re angry or maybe even guilty, but no one ever admits jealousy--mainly because we think jealousy is simply an immaturity issue.

Whether we admit it or not, all of us are jealous of someone. You don’t know why you don’t like them, but if you’d dig around in your heart, I bet you’d discover you’re jealous of them. They’re ahead of you in some way or they have something you don’t have or they achieved something you haven’t or they gone places you’ve never gone. Whatever the case, your response about them is…“I just don't like them.”

But, chances are, the real problem is…you’re jealous…
And the closer you get to them, the worse you feel about you.

Here's the apostle Paul's challenge...
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. (Galatians 5:24-26)

**from "The Monster Within"--Part 03 free download at pathwayonline.org

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"Can You Name Five?" by Chuck Swindoll

2011-05-31T15:24:00.000-07:00

In days gone by, we’d jog with a good friend and stay caught up.
We’d visit with a neighbor while working in the yard.
We’d get acquainted with the stranger in the next seat on the plane.

Not now.

The ever-present headset connected to an iPod communicates in clear terms, “Don’t talk to or interrupt me...I have 3,500 songs to listen to!”

Eye contact is a thing of the past...each person glued to a laptop or staring at a handheld device while writing with their thumbs.

We’re more in touch on Facebook with a high-school friend from yesteryear than the person in the next office or the lady who lives two doors down.

We have multiple names in our “contact list”, but find it difficult to name even five people if we really needed a “close friend”. Can you name five?

Don’t you occasionally wonder who will carry your coffin?
And will their grief over your death cause them to sit through the entire memorial service without texting or checking their voicemail?"

adapted from Chuck Swindoll's article in The Pastor's Soul, Role and Home

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2011-05-25T10:50:00.000-07:00

Guard your heart more than anything else, because the source of your life flows from it. --Proverbs 4:23

One of the greatest things we can ever learn is how to monitor our hearts.

Interestingly though, we’ve become really good at simply modifying our behavior. From early on in our childhood and throughout our lives, we’ve learned how to filter our words and actions to fit certain environments. We learned what not to do or say to get a date…to have a good job interview.

We learned sometimes the hard way what doesn’t work out well if you say or do and what we should do or say for it to go well at school, work or home.

We were taught to "behave", but never to monitor our hearts. And that’s a problem because everything in my life is affected by my heart.

It’s not good enough to modify my behavior...I must learn to monitor my heart.

*from "The Monster Within"--Part 03 free dowload at pathwayonline.org

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Will the World End on Saturday?

2011-05-20T14:53:00.000-07:00

Today I read what Jim Daly, the president of Focus on the Family, wrote about the prediction of "Judgment Day on May 21st" by Harold Camping.

I share this with you because I couldn't agree more...

"By now you’ve picked up on the buzz that, according to Harold Camping of Family Radio, the rapture will occur this coming Saturday, May 21st. He's even gone so far as to predict the exact time (6 PM), though there's some confusion concerning time zones around the world.

This isn't the first time that Mr. Camping predicted the Second Coming. He had previously proclaimed Jesus would return in September of 1994. In fact, he wrote an entire book on the topic, but concluded within the book that he could very well be wrong.

If all of this makes you a bit uncomfortable, it's probably because you're familiar with Jesus' own words and warning. Speaking to the matter of predicting His return, Jesus himself replied: "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mark 13:32).

This latest prediction joins a long list of others. Pope Innocent III predicted the end would come in 1284; in the 16th century Mother Shipton declared "...The world to an end shall come; in eighteen hundred and eighty-one." A 17th Century Baptist preacher named Benjamin Keach predicted it would be in 1689. More recently, Jehovah Witnesses have predicted the end numerous times, most notably in 1914, 1915, 1918, 1920, 1925, 1941, 1975 and 1994.

According to some published estimates, followers and supporters of the May 21st prediction have spent over $4 million on billboard and bus advertisements to warn people. One retired gentleman, convinced to be sure, has reportedly spent his entire life savings ($110,000) to help fund the campaign. After all, what true believer needs money on May 22nd?

Not surprisingly, media channels are having a field day with this story, not to mention late-night comedians and aspiring ones on both Facebook and Twitter. On the upside, the story has given theologians and pastors an opportunity to share publicly that, indeed, Christians believe Jesus will one day return to judge the living and the dead. On the downside, the spectacle probably doesn't do much to present the agnostic or atheist with a thoughtful representation of Christianity.

Could the May 21st prediction be right? Well, a stopped clock is right twice a day. Still, Jesus tells us...“Therefore stay awake, for you do not know the day your Lord is coming … the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (Matthew 24:42,44).

As for me, I embrace the words of Jesus, not the calculations of Harold Camping or other end times forecasters.

Sadly, this campaign has appeared to become an obsession to a number of misguided Christians, who could have been investing their time and finite resources in the lives of people and their immediate needs. To me, that's a shame."

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Guilt and Church

2011-05-19T16:08:00.000-07:00

Some people so closely associate guilt and church.
They say…”Why would anyone go to church, if they didn't feel guilty?”

Many people I know grew up in churches like that.
Unfortunately, too many people leave churches like that and say…
”Why would I want to go to church to feel guilty?”

Ironically, when you read the NT, you see that Jesus never leveraged guilt. Jesus never tried to make people feel guilty…and if anyone could’ve, it would’ve been He because knew everyone’s heart. He could’ve easily pointed out people and said…”You’re guilty…let me tell you why.”

He could’ve laid out everyone’s dirty laundry for everybody to see...
BUT Jesus never leveraged guilt.

If your take on church is that it’s all about making people feel guilty,
I sincerely apologize. Sadly, too many churches and leaders have leveraged guilt under the guise of Christianity.

Actually, guilt has nothing to do with following Jesus. We see this in what the apostle Paul wrote..."Don’t you see how wonderfully kind and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?" (Romans 2:4)

God wants to lead you and me into change by His kindness…
Not by His knowledge of our sin and making us feel guilty.

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*from "The Monster Within"--Part 02/free download at pathwayonline.org

2011-05-16T12:55:00.000-07:00

Something I read today really spoke to me so I thought I'd share it...

"Just before my 17th birthday, a drunk driver killed my mom. My dad, brother and I were in the car too, so the crash devastated us physically as well as emotionally. My body healed in a few months, but my mind plunged deeper into despair. Plagued by depression and even suicidal ambitions, I doubted I could ever recover from this tragedy.

Then a high school speech teacher asked if I'd be willing to visit schools and tell my story. Though I hardly felt speaking was my forte, I desperately wanted to let everyone know the dangers of driving while intoxicated. I spoke in numerous classrooms my senior year, and was even invited to testify before the state legislature to plead for tougher drunk driving laws. So began a string of opportunities for me to talk to other teens, law makers, even DUI offenders. I'll never fully know how my words impacted others, but I'm sure of one thing: I was being changed.

Out of the wreckage of my life, God provided purpose and healing. He opened doors and invited me to look beyond myself. I've seen firsthand the truth in Ghandi's words: 'The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.'"

(written by Carolyn MacInnes for Focus on the Family)

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2011-05-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

Author Chuck Swindoll writes...

"When I served overseas in the Marines many years ago, I had a bunkmate named Eddie. When he found out I was a Christian, he told me in no uncertain terms: 'Hey, I want to tell you something, Swindle. I didn’t come over here to be evangelized. So just back off, OK?'
'Sure, that’s no problem,' I answered.

So, I’d try to figure out other ways I could get Eddie interested in Jesus.

One day I said, 'Hey Eddie, can you help me with some of these words?'
I dropped down some of my verse cards from my top bunk and said...
'Let’s see if I can do these.'
So I began: 'For God, uh . . .'
'SO,' Eddie added impatiently.
'Oh, okay,' I’d reply, 'For God so . . . uh . . .'
'LOVED!'
'Yes, yes, that’s it. For God so loved the world.'
We went through dozens of verses just like that.

Fast-forward 30years...and the phone rings one day...'Hey, Swindle!'
I said, 'This can only be a guy named Eddie.'
'Yeah,' Eddie answered, 'Hey, you know that trick you played on me in Okinawa? Well, it worked! I’m loving Jesus now.'

Isn’t God good? The power of the Word of God never fails to amaze me."*

It’s just as the prophet Isaiah recorded...
'The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.' (Isaiah 55:10-11)

God’s Word always accomplishes God's plan—primarily in the lives of those of us who digest it, apply it, memorize it, meditate on it, ponder it, declare it, and by God’s grace, live it out.

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Tell-Tale Heart

2011-05-02T13:13:00.000-07:00

As children, we were taught to “behave”.
If we behaved properly, good things happened...
If we misbehaved, not-so-good things happened.

Over time, we learned there are certain things you don’t do with your spouse, boss or teacher in the room. We learned it doesn’t work out well if you do those things you’re not supposed to at school, work or home.

We learned to modify our words/actions for certain environments. We’ve developed a filter—a way to modify what we say or do—so we can properly function in life, make a living, enjoy relationships.

But have you noticed that sometimes our filter doesn’t work?

Sometimes a word or action slips through the filter and we say…
“I can’t believe I just said that…I can’t believe I just did that…
That’s not like me…I don't know where that came from."

Jesus says..."It came from your heart."

Notice how clearly Jesus puts it...“The words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you...From the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you.” (Matthew 15:18-20)

I need to pay attention to what I'm saying and doing because that’s what is lurking inside my heart...
And eventually that’s what will make its way into all of my relationships!

*from "The Monster Within"--Part 01/free download at pathwayonline.org

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2011-04-18T14:09:00.001-07:00

The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers mocked him too, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” A sign was fastened to the cross above him with these words:
“This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” (Luke 23:35-39 NLT)

Can you imagine the temptation Jesus would have faced at the thought of saving Himself?

One of the facts that speak to me from the cross is how JC stayed on it. At any moment, Jesus could have aborted this plan and called for help.

Earlier when the disciples thought about resisting arrest, Jesus said...
“Surely you know I could ask my Father, and He would give me more than twelve armies of angels. But it must happen this way to bring about what the Scriptures say.” (Matthew 26:53-54 NCV)

To have that kind of power at your disposal and yet maintain the willpower to do nothing as you are being tortured and insulted is an amazing thing…
This week I need to remember how amazing Jesus is.

*from "Red Letter Day"--Part 03/free download at www.pathwayonline.org

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Father, forgive them

2011-04-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:32-34)

Jesus had just been beaten and abused so severely…
He didn't even look like human…He had been humiliated, spit on...
He had been whipped 39 times across the back and legs...
He was bruised and swollen and bleeding…
Then they drove stakes through His wrists and feet…
Hanging on the cross, Jesus says…“Father, forgive them."

Now, I don't know about you, but if it's me, I’m probably saying...
"Father kill them, Father destroy them, Father take them out!”
But Jesus said, "Father, forgive them"

I bet all of us have somebody that we need to forgive…
Maybe you are holding a grudge…Maybe you had an argument…
Maybe it happened months or even years ago and you’re still holding it…
Maybe it's something at work and you just can't let it go…
Who do you need to forgive?

Whether we’ve realized it or not…
Forgiveness is the focus of the cross

from "Red Letter Day"--Part 02/free download at www.pathwayonline.org

What We Need To Know When We Ask "Why?"

2011-04-08T13:58:00.000-07:00

"Jesus called out with a loud voice...
'My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?'"

(Matthew 27:45-46)

Jesus embraces the one question that all of us ask at some point...
When life goes dark and we don't understand, we end up asking “Why?”.

To make it through, we have to hold on to a few things the Bible tells us.

Up front, we need to know…God is at work for my good
"We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love Him." (Romans 8:28)

Next, we need to know that God is for me
"If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?" (Romans 8:31-32)

Lastly, we need to know that God is with me
"Since God assured us, 'I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,' we can boldly say, God is there, ready to help.” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

No matter what you're going through, never forget...
God is working for your good, God is for you and God is with you

How do we know this for sure?
God sent His son Jesus to prove it.

________________________________________________________
*from "Red Letter Day" Part 01--download free study at pathwayonline.org

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He's working for my good

2011-04-05T14:54:00.000-07:00

"At noon, darkness fell across the whole land. At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice...'My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?'”

(Matthew 27:45-46 NLT)

Jesus embraces the one question that all of us ask at some point...
When life goes dark and we don't understand, we end up asking “Why?”.

It's easy to trust God when life is going the way you want it to, but it's so difficult when you don't understand...when it feels like you're in the dark.

To make it through, we have to hold on to a few things that the Bible tells us about God. Up front, we need to know is…God is at work for my good

The apostle Paul says..."We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love Him." (Romans 8:28 NCV)

Right now, in that impossible situation…He’s working for your good...
In that struggling marriage…He’s working for your good...
In that job that stinks, in that class that’s hard, in your bank account that's empty, in that relationship that's dying, in your health that's failing…
Even though you can't see it, God is working for your good.

_________________________________________________________
*from "Red Letter Day" Part 01--download free study at pathwayonline.org

Do It Anyway

2011-03-29T17:04:00.000-07:00

Somehow there’s a misbelief that those who do great things for God never face fear. Some believe that people who do great things for God live on a level of faith that is above any fear in their lives.

If that’s the case, why does God tell so many people in the Bible…”Don’t be afraid!”? If people who do great thing for God are never afraid, then why did God tell people like Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Elijah, Jehoshaphat, Nehemiah, and ALL of the disciples to not be afraid?

The Bible is full of people who faced great fear but did great things for God.

After reading through the Bible accounts and knowing many people who have done and are doing great things for God, I'm convinced that those who do great things for God face fear, but do what God says anyway.

There’s a guy in the Bible that faced fear, but God wanted to use him to accomplish something spectacular…The angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak tree at Ophrah that belonged to Joash. Gideon, Joash’s son, was separating some wheat from the chaff in a winepress to keep the wheat from the Midianites. The angel of the LORD appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the LORD is with you!” (Judges 6:11-12)

I wonder what God has called you to do.
I wonder what purpose God has for you to accomplish. I wonder what God has in store for you to be a part of. I wonder what’s keeping you down low when you should be out in the open doing great things for God.

You need to ask yourself: Is my fear keeping me from obeying God?

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Lady Gaga by Jim Daly

2011-03-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

Jim Daly, key leader of Focus on the Family, has written a provocative article about celebrity Lady Gaga. I hope you spend some time reading...

"She was born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta. A city kid, she lived in a duplex on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Both parents were professionals. Her father was a corporate executive and her mother a vice president at Verizon.

Raised a Roman Catholic, Stefani was enrolled in Covenant of the Sacred Heart, a private all-girls school that dates back to 1881.

Former classmates report that as she grew older she also grew more eccentric, but still maintained a semblance of normalcy. In high school, she was reportedly the only one in her class with a job, waiting on tables at a local diner.

So how does one go from being a high school waitress named Stefani to assuming the outlandish identity of Lady Gaga, a singer whose hit song, Born This Way, was downloaded 286,000 times last week?

Not surprisingly, Stefani was drawn to music as a young girl. She loved the Beatles and Pink Floyd and even started her own classic rock cover band. But she found both classic and modern artists too tame and boring. So when it came to developing her own image, she became determined to stand out by sticking out. She studied the stars, from Prince to Madonna, and slowly carved out her niche.

A friend began to regularly critique her habit and style and once lectured her on always maintaining a consistent celebrity persona.

Stefani Germanotta has taken those words to heart, and reportedly wants even long-time friends to call her by her stage name, Lady Gaga. Her acts have become increasingly bizarre and disturbing, which is exactly her intention.

I am not inclined toward celebrity psycho-analysis, but when millions of young people download her music and watch her videos, parents are wise to take note of what the hype and hoopla is all about.

In Born This Way, the claim is made that you’re born heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual or transgendered. Don’t fight it - simply accept and embrace it. The problem is, researchers are not sure about what causes homosexuality. Many are concluding it is a complex combination of things, but it is not as clear cut as simply genetic material.

The pulse and pace of modern culture can usually be determined from its music and movies, not faith and reason. That a song advocating for a genetic determinative for homosexuality sits atop the charts is disconcerting, but not entirely shocking.

From the outside looking in, two things strike me...

First, by Stefani Germanotta’s own admission, she’s built her entire persona and celebrity on a platform that’s anything but typical. She is playing a part, a role, and not living as she would outside the bright lights. Put another way, Lady Gaga was clearly not born this way.

Second, and more importantly, the message found within the lyrics of Born This Way is in stark contrast to the message of the Bible. All of us are born into sin, the Bible tells us, with desires and resulting actions that separate us from God and put us at odds with His blueprint for our lives. But the Good News is we’re not hopelessly trapped in our sin and failure. Despite the fact that we were “born this way,” each of us can be set free – from homosexuality, or heterosexual sex outside of marriage, or pornography, or greed, or gossip, or any other human shortcoming – to be the men and women God intended us to be.

So why does Lady Gaga continue to try and shock and rattle the establishment? Why does any celebrity? Deep down, Stefani Germanotta wants to know what we all want to know. She wants to know that she matters. And you know what? She does matter - to the God of the universe, the Creator of heaven and earth."

Read more of Jim Daly's writings at www.focusonlinecommunities.com

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For all the other basketball fans out there...

2011-03-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

Change is always hard, but necessary

2011-03-16T12:24:00.000-07:00

I have followed John Maxwell for years and I am always challenged by his writing. Once again, he speaks to me through his own life experience...

"The scariest moment of my life came on December 18th, 1998. I was celebrating at our company Christmas party when I began to feel ill. At the end of the evening, an employee gave me a hug goodbye and noticed a cold sweat on the back of my neck. Suddenly, excruciating pain exploded in my chest, and I crumpled to my knees. As I laid on the floor in agony, waiting for the paramedics, it felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest. I honestly thought my life was coming to an end.

At the hospital, doctors informed me I had suffered a heart attack. They attended to me and tried several treatments, none of which seemed to be helping. Around 3:00am, a cardiologist arrived on the scene, and he performed an emergency operation to remove a small blood clot from my heart. His skillful care saved my life.

Pain accompanies change. One way or another it’s going to hurt to make adjustments in our lives...that’s the bad news. The good news is that we can choose the pain we endure...the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.

The longer you wait to make changes, the costlier they are to make. In 1998, I nearly paid the ultimate price for ignoring my physical fitness. Had I simply made a few tweaks to my weekly regimen as a young leader, and maintained them over time, I never would have found myself in that situation. Thankfully, I received a second chance. However, even after the scare of the heart attack, I have tremendous difficulty prioritizing my health. Ingrained habits aren’t easily overcome.

If you want to change your life, then you need to change something you do daily. In my case, I have learned that physical fitness doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a succession of healthy decisions, made each day, to see progress.

We tend to stay the same until it hurts so bad that we have to do something differently. In my case, the pain was sudden, severe, and possible to ignore. Yet, the warning signs were there all along, and how I wish that I had heeded them!

In which areas of life do you see warning signs? Wherever you see warning sings, don’t delay in making a change. It’s far easier to prevent damage now than to repair it later."

I'm listening to what John is saying...are you?

Access more of John's great materials at www.JohnMaxwell.com

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One Way

2011-03-15T13:54:00.000-07:00

I read this today and knew I needed to share it...

"Unless you’ve been living in a cave lately, you’re probably aware of the current issue that’s hot among evangelicals..."Is Jesus the only way to heaven? Will a loving God really confine someone to eternal punishment for not accepting Christ?"

It’s a current debate...but it’s not a new one. The issues surrounding the extent of mankind’s salvation have been argued for centuries. In fact, Jesus Himself was asked a similar question: 'And someone said to Him, “Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?” And He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.' (Luke 13:23–24)

Jesus never really answered how many will be saved...but rather, who will be: those who “enter through the narrow door.” In the parable that follows, Jesus makes it clear that entrance through that door has everything to do with a relationship with Him (Lk 13; Matt 7; Jn 10).

Jesus never offered people a message that said, “Look, just be sincere. Take the religion of your choice. The main thing is to think positively about God. Lead a clean life, and God will smile at you when you die.”

There’s a great Hebrew word for that way of thinking: hogwash! Let me say it another way...that kind of thinking is heresy.

I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved.
(John 10:9)

No one comes to the Father but through Me. (John 14:6)

For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 2:5)

There’s only one way. By Jesus’s own admission, it’s the narrow way. The apostle Paul was equally exacting: 'one mediator.'*"

I need to realize the importance of this truth and based all of my interactions with others with it in mind.

*taken from Chuck Swindoll's blog "The Pastor's Soul"

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What Were They Thinking?

2011-03-10T12:21:00.000-08:00

Today, as I was reading the narrative in John 11, I asked that question.

Lazarus was dead...four days dead...which meant no hope of resuscitation according to Jewish beliefs of the day. With a simple prayer, Jesus raised him back to life.

Following the miracle, things get interesting...
"Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Then the leading priests and Pharisees called the high council together. 'What are we going to do?' they asked each other. 'This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation.' (John 11:45-48)

And so what do they decide to do?...
"From that day on, the council planned to kill Jesus." (John 11:53)

What were they thinking? Did they really think they could exterminate a guy who had just raised someone from the dead? Really?!

And yet, isn't that just like us at times? All too often we somehow think we can do what we want and ignore the fact that God is GOD.

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purposes of the Lord that will stand." (Proverbs 19:21)

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Promptings

2011-03-08T14:17:00.000-08:00

Once again I am challenged by Chuck Swindoll's blog and had to share it with you...

"Do you ever have those inner promptings when the Spirit of God urges you in a very specific direction? The book of Jude offers a wonderful example of the powerful prompting of the Holy Spirit: Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. (Jude 3)

Jude started to write a letter to Christians about salvation, about the finished work of Christ on the cross. That was his original plan...until the Holy Spirit prompted him to do otherwise.

Granted, Jude was inspired, and we’re not. But God still prompts us to follow a certain direction. No audible voice. No image of Jesus in an enchilada. Nothing mystical or magical. But as you are moving along and trusting Him, you stay sensitive to the quiet, yet all-important prompting of God through His Holy Spirit. By doing so, you may well sense inner promptings.

Nothing wrong with planning. Nothing wrong with thinking it through. There’s everything right and wise about listing all the pros and cons. But stay sensitive to God’s leading. His plans may be different than yours. By the way, His are always better."

Find out more about Chuck Swindoll at www.insight.org

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Losing My Temper, But Growing

2011-03-07T18:41:00.000-08:00

Today as I pulled into the gym's parking lot, I faced a situation.

A garbage truck was about 100 feet in front of me and 3 cars were directly behind me. The lot was completely full so space and visibilty was limited.

The truck started backing up in the middle of the lane which gave me nowhere to go. He got to within 50 feet of me and I tapped my horn to let him know I was there. He continued to back up...40 feet...30 feet...20 feet...now I really laid on my horn. The driver jumped out and began yelling at me. Fortunately, the 3 cars behind me had started backing up so I did as well.

After, pulling to the other side of the parking lot, the truck driver jumped out of his truck and continued yelling at me. So, I stepped out of my truck and said loudly, "What's the problem?" Angrily, he yelled at me, "Most people are smart enough to go around!" To which I replied, "What was I supposed to do with 3 cars behind me and you backing up in the middle of the lane?" Then I turned around to go into the gym and said, "What a fool!" He immediately replied, "Don't insult me!"

After 8 miles on the bike, God spoke to my heart..."He was right." That's when I knew God was correcting me.

Jesus taught against being angry and calling people a "fool" in Matthew 5. Paul says to "be angry and sin not" in Ephesians 4.

Up to a point, I was "in the right", but I allowed my anger and my words to make it "wrong"...and I became the "fool" myself.

Yeah, I lost my temper today, but I think I'm growing because I responded to God's correction and now I'm confessing to you..."Hi my name is Bart and I lose my temper sometimes".

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Please Let Me See Your Glory

2011-03-03T16:34:00.000-08:00

Jim Cymbala, pastor of Brooklyn Tabernacle, writes a phrase that speaks to me…"I despaired at the thought that my life might slip by without seeing God show himself mightily on our behalf."

It's like what Moses said to God…
Moses said to the LORD, “If your presence is not going with us, don’t make us leave this place. How will anyone ever know you’re pleased with your people and me unless you go with us? Then we will be different from all other people on the face of the earth.” The LORD answered Moses, “I will do what you have asked, because I am pleased with you, and I know you by name.” Then Moses said, “Please let me see Your glory.” (Exodus 33:15-18)

That's my prayer too..."please let me see Your glory"…
I don’t want to live an ordinary life…I want the extraordinary…
I don’t want to live a normal life…I want the supernatural…
I want to be involved in what God is doing…to see miracles.

I want to see the move of God in my life, in my wife, in my kids, in my family, in my friends, in my church, in my city...
I want to see the move of God in every arena I’m involved in...
I want to see it in every person that I come into contact with.

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Immediate Obedience

2011-03-01T15:51:00.000-08:00

Over the last 6 months, God has been talking to me about…Immediate Obedience.

How many pet owners want immediate obedience?
How many parents want immediate obedience?
How many husbands (or wives) want immediate obedience?
Oh man, do we really want to go there!

In Matthew 21, Jesus told a story…“A man had two sons. He went to the first son and said, ‘Son, go and work today in my vineyard.’ The son answered, ‘I will not go.’ But later the son changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said, ‘Son, go and work today in my vineyard.’ The son answered, ‘Yes, sir, I will go and work,’ but he did not go. Which of the two sons obeyed his father?” (Matthew 21:28-31)

The father asks the first son and he refuses to work. After thinking about it for a while, he changes his mind, and heads out to the vineyard. The father asks the 2nd son who responds but never follows through…he never goes.

So, let’s answer the question Jesus asked…
Which of the two sons obeyed his father?

Neither. Even though the first son did eventually go…wasn’t it delayed obedience? Isn’t delayed obedience really disobedience?

Even today, the Father is calling me to immediate obedience...
How about you?

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About the Holy Spirit from a baptist pastor

2011-02-25T16:26:00.000-08:00

Matt Chandler, pastor of The Village Church in Texas, shares how his view of the Holy Spirit's activity is changing...

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Billy Ray's Regrets

2011-02-16T19:45:00.000-08:00

I just read this incredible article from Jim Daly of Focus on the Family. I know it's longer than usual, but it's something that all parents and kids should read...

"Even if you don’t follow pop culture, you’ve inevitably read or heard of the teen actress Miley Cyrus. Playing the wholesome character “Hannah Montana” on her popular Disney television show of the same name several years ago, Miss Cyrus was catapulted into entertainment’s stratosphere. In the midst of her rapid ascent, though, she also found herself wrapped up in controversy, from being caught posing for provocative photographs to smoking a bong and taking hallucinogenic drugs.

Miss Cyrus, now 18, is the daughter of country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, perhaps best known for his hit, “Achy Breaky Heart.” Ironically, and sadly, that’s exactly what Billy Ray is suffering from these days. He told GQ Magazine that he now wishes his daughter never went to Hollywood and found fame and fortune.

"The [expletive] show destroyed my family," he told the reporter. "I'd take it back in a second. For my family to be here and just everybody be okay, safe and sound and happy and normal would have been fantastic. Heck, yeah. I'd erase it all in a second if I could."

Billy Ray and his wife, Miley’s mother, Tish, filed for divorce this past fall.

Again, from the GQ interview:
"How many interviews did I give and say, 'You know what's important between me and Miley is I try to be a friend to my kids'? I said it a lot. And sometimes I would even read other parents might say, 'You don't need to be a friend, you need to be a parent.' Well, I'm the first guy to say to them right now: You were right. I should have been a better parent. I should have said, 'Enough is enough--it's getting dangerous and somebody's going to get hurt.' I should have, but I didn't. Honestly, I didn't know the ball was out of bounds until it was way up in the stands somewhere."

Very few parents are faced with the challenge of parenting a teen idol, a tough assignment to be sure. But what about the rest of us? Although we might not be trying to navigate stardom, we do have to navigate and manage human nature. Mark my words...our kids will inevitably push the envelope and test the waters. It’s normal and natural to do so. Subconsciously many of us are wondering just how far we’ll allow them to go. Despite what they might say or how they might act, they want leadership.

And if it’s human nature for a kid to push, it’s human nature for a mom or dad to want to be favorably viewed by our kids. But here is the big question: Do we want to be their best pal or their parent? Your kids have plenty of friends, maybe too many. But only two people in the world can really be their parents. Be parents today and the friendship with your children will grow into adulthood and last throughout your lives."

Read more of Jim Daly's posts at http://www.focusonlinecommunities.com/blogs

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My Grandmother

2011-02-14T16:52:00.000-08:00

As I hear of my grandmother's diminishing health, God reminded me of a verse He spoke to me about her several months ago...
"Abraham was now a very
old man, and the Lord had blessed him in every way."
(Genesis 24:1)

She has truly lived a "blessed life"...
Because of what God has done in her, for her and through her.

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Faith

2011-02-11T16:33:00.000-08:00

I've always said that
"faith is trusting God in the dark".

I read something that expands on that...
"Faith may seem like a leap in the dark, but it is always a leap made in obedience to a voice in the darkness which says, "Jump, I'll catch you."

(written by N.T. Wright in Small Faith-Great God)

I'm ready to jump and trust what God is doing in my life!

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Wake Me Up

2011-02-10T13:51:00.000-08:00

Take a listen to a great song...

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church

2011-02-08T17:22:00.000-08:00

I love this awesome video from central christan church.
Please take the time to watch it...

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So God Could Do Something Great

2011-02-07T11:13:00.000-08:00

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?”

“It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. (John 9:1-3)

As it was in JC’s time, so it is in ours…it’s often assumed that if someone is suffering, it’s because of sin. Yes, sin causes suffering in our world, but as it was in this case, the person’s sin or the sin of their parents didn’t cause this. God allowed the man to be born blind so He could do something great in his life.

Don’t assume the problem you’re facing is because of something you did wrong. It’s not always because you’re sinful…it might be that God wants to do something in your life.

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Swindoll on Forgiveness

2011-01-24T13:52:00.000-08:00

I just read an incredible challenge from Chuck Swindoll that I pass on to you...

"Is there someone you need to forgive? Perhaps it’s a parent or a sibling or even a spouse. Maybe it's a relative or someone at your church. What keeps you from making things right?

Our culture offers endless excuses, but let’s face it--no excuse keeps you from the biblical obligation to forgive that person. No self-justification...no plea of victimization...Nothing!

We are called to a different standard...Jesus' standard. That’s why our forgiveness of others is inseparably linked with God’s forgiveness of us:

"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:32)

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors...For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.” (Matthew 6:12, 14–15)

Are you unforgiving toward someone? If so, according to Jesus, you are out of fellowship with God. That is why Christ commands that you reconcile even before you come to church:

“Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.” (Matthew 5:23–25)

If someone asks you to forgive him, accept the confession. If that person has not asked for forgiveness, remember that God has commanded that you do so anyway.

Do whatever it takes to reconcile. Go to a counselor. Pray for strength to obey. Humble yourself. Don’t go to your grave with that grudge. For sure, don’t go to church with it."

My prayer today is...
"God, help me to move toward forgiveness quickly."

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Attending Church

2011-01-14T08:20:00.000-08:00

Research shows that only 28% of the U.S. population states they attend church on any given week and yet 52% of the U.S. population claims they are Protestants.

This could mean that 73 million christians do not connect with a local church.

Why do churches focus so much of their energy, efforts and resources on those who already attend? More churches need to reach the unchurched.

Jesus said the "healthy" do not need a doctor. (Mark 2)

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what if...?

2011-01-10T12:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I talked about..."what if I fully surrendered myself to Jesus?". I based the discussion on the story of the boy giving up his lunch to be used by Jesus in John 6.

What moved me most about this account is that the boy was nameless, insignificant (kids held no value in the culture) and poor (barley was a poor man's bread). These facts encourage me by showing how anyone can make a difference.

More and more, I'm beginning to realize that what makes something great is not the size of what you give, but into whose hands it is given.

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Good News

2010-12-08T17:41:00.001-08:00

Check out this teaching from a guy I listen to quite often...

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Wow! This little girl can sing...

2010-12-07T13:32:00.001-08:00

Wow! This little girl can sing...

2010-12-07T13:32:00.000-08:00

Laughter

2010-11-09T15:08:00.000-08:00

I know I use Swindoll's stuff a lot, but this is really good...

"I fully realize that too much humor can be irritating, even offensive. I recognize that it can be taken to such an extreme that it is inappropriate. But doesn’t it seem we have a long way to go before we are guilty of that problem? The final result of a joyless existence is sad—a superhigh-level intensity, borderline neurotic anxiety, an absence of just plain fun in one’s work, a lack of relaxation, and the tendency to take ourselves much too seriously. We need to lighten up! Yes, spirituality and fun do go well together.
Scripture speaks directly to this issue, you know—especially the Proverbs: "A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken." (Proverbs 15:13) Internal joy goes public. We can’t hide it. The face takes its cue from an inside signal.
A well-developed sense of humor reveals a well-balanced personality. Maladjusted people show a far greater tendency to miss the point in a funny remark. They take jokes personally. They take things that are meant to be enjoyable much too seriously. The ability to get a laugh out of everyday situations is a safety valve. It rids us of tensions and worries that could otherwise damage our health.
You think I’m exaggerating? If so, maybe you’ve forgotten another proverb: "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones." (Proverbs 17:22) What is it that brings healing to the emotions . . . and healing to the soul? A joyful heart. And when the heart is right, a joyful countenance accompanies it!"

Maybe you and I need to take a look in the mirror right now and see if we're smiling...that will say a lot!

(article excerpted from The Pastor's Soul, Role and Home)
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thewaterproject.org

2010-11-02T15:10:00.000-07:00

I love this short video I found about thewaterproject.org.

This is the organization Pathway partnered with in 2009 to drill a clean water well in the Aleko community of western Kenya which provides clean water for around 1,000 people.

Click to enlarge it at the botton right...it's worth it for the smiles!

Thank You - The Water Project on Vimeo.

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flexibilty: are you open to change?

2010-10-26T11:29:00.000-07:00

Again, I find myself challenged by the words of Chuck Swindoll...

"Let’s be careful to identify the right opponent. It isn’t tradition; it’s traditionalism.

The right kind of traditions gives us deep roots—a solid network of reliable truth in a day when everything seems up for grabs. Among such traditions is believing in the authority of Holy Scripture, knowing and loving God, bowing to the lordship of Jesus Christ, committing ourselves to others, filling the role of a servant-leaders, and becoming a person of genuine encouragement.

By traditionalism, I have in mind mainly an attitude that resists change, adaptation, or alteration. It is blindly and forcefully holding fast to a custom or behavior. It is being suspicious of the new, the up-to-date, the different. It is finding one’s security, even identity, in the familiar and therefore opposing whatever threatens that. It is being more concerned about keeping rigid, human-made rules than being flexible, open to creativity and innovation.

By now, you’ve guessed where I stand. Clearly, my position is on the side of openness, allowing room for the untried, the unpredictable, the unexpected—all the while holding fast to the truth."

As I hold to my convictions, I must remain flexible in my perspective. If I don't, I miss the chance to be involved in the new things God is doing..."For I am about to do something new. I have already begun! Do you not see it?" (Isaiah 43:19)

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Laughing at Impossibilities

2010-10-05T16:38:00.001-07:00

I know of people who are facing impossiblities in life...
I also know of a God who laughs in the face of impossiblities.

This past Sunday I shared about Abraham and Sarah..."Abraham and Sarah were both very old by this time, and Sarah was long past the age of having children. So she laughed silently to herself and said, “How could a worn-out woman like me enjoy such pleasure, especially when my master—my husband—is also so old?” (Genesis 18:11-12)

A pretty natural response from a 90 year old post-menopausal woman. She had been infertile all her life...she was old and her husband was old. She was thinking about her age, her condition, her situation. The thought of pregnancy was completely out of the question...it was impossible.

BUT God loves to step into impossible circumstances..."Then the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say, ‘Can an old woman like me have a baby?’ Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” (Genesis 18:13-14)

The irony is that God had them name the baby "Isaac" which in Hebrew means "he laughs". Abraham and Sarah laughed in unbelief, but God laughs in the face of impossibility.

"Is anything too hard for the Lord?" This is one of the great questions of the Bible and all of us must give an answer. Is there any problem you face, difficulty or crisis you battle that's too hard for God? Is there any circumstance God cannot handle? What impossibilities are you facing?

No matter how long it's been this way...No matter how hopeless things appear...Nothing is impossible with God.

What I need to grasp today is...Things seem impossible when I look at circumstances instead of God.

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Excellence vs. Mediocrity

2010-09-23T16:00:00.000-07:00

Once again I am challenged by the writing of Chuck Swindoll...

   "Mediocrity is fast becoming the cue of our times. Every imaginable excuse is now used to make it acceptable, hopefully preferred. Budget cuts, time deadlines, majority opinion, and hard-nosed practicality are outshouting and outrunning excellence.
   Those forces seem to be winning the race. Incompetence and status quo averages are held up as all we can now expect. The tragedy is that more and more people have agreed.
   Why live differently in a society where it’s so much easier to look the same? Why fight for something better when so few seem to care? Why stand courageously if it means risking ridicule, misunderstanding, or being considered a dreamer by some and a fool by others?
   To quote young David just before he took on that Philistine behemoth in the Valley of Elah, “Is there not a cause?” Must we wait for someone else to establish our standard or to set our pace? Not on your life! It is my firm conviction that those who impact and reshape the world are the ones committed to living above the level of mediocrity. There are still too many opportunities for excellence, too much demand for distinctiveness, to be satisfied with just getting by.
   A commitment to excellence is neither popular nor easy. But it is essential."   (Chuck Swindoll)

Today, I am compelled to strive for excellence in those areas where I've just been getting by.

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2010-09-01T13:03:00.001-07:00

"The Largeness Of Marriage"

2010-08-19T12:23:00.000-07:00

Today I read a passage that confirms how I feel about my most important relationship on earth.

I love the words of Jesus...
“Not everyone is mature enough
to live a married life. It requires
a certain aptitude and grace...
If you’re capable of growing into
the largeness of marriage, do it.” (Matt 19:11-12 MSG)

That's exactly how I feel..."the largeness of marriage". I have always thought 'marriage' involved so much more than I ever anticipated. I am saddened to see couples who never experience this dimension in their relationship.

After 25 years, I still find this to be true everyday.

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Waiting Isn't Wasting Time

2010-08-17T12:25:00.001-07:00

Today I read something from Chuck Swindoll that grabbed me..."During times of waiting on God, there is a 'white space'. That’s when nothing seems to be happening—at least nothing visible. You could easily tell yourself at the time, 'I’m waiting in vain. Nothing’s going to change.' That’s precisely what the Adversary wants you to think: 'Waiting on God is a waste.'"

I'm sure that's how Abraham felt as he waited on God's promise in Genesis 15. After experiencing the leaving of his homeland, a widespread famine and the departure of his nephew to the "best land"...all he does is wait for God to fulfill His promise.

Swindoll continues "This may be one of those 'white spaces' in your own life. Maybe it’s time for you to pray and to call upon some close friends to pray with you. Maybe it’s time for you to say, 'I can’t find the path to walk in this unpredictable situation. So I’m going to wait...I’m not going to rush...and in the meantime, I’m going to give it to God. I’m going to listen with a sensitive ear and watch for God's leading with a sensitive eye.'"

In almost 25 years of pastoral ministry, I have had many occasions to wait on God. I still do today. During those times when doubt and discouragement creep into my head, God provides a strong reminder that He is at work--just like He did to Abraham in Genesis 15:1..."Abram, don’t be afraid. I will defend you and I will give you a great reward."

Like I said on Sunday, "If God has made you a 'promise' and you see nothing yet--be assured He knows what needs to take place for those promises to be fulfilled and He is at work."

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23 Already!

2010-08-16T15:01:00.000-07:00

Shannon, my oldest daughter, is turning 23 this Wednesday. It's always hard to believe how much your kids are growing up. Yikes!!

Recently, she and I were able to travel to Tennessee for a big family reunion. While there,
I was able to witness her
maturity and personality in so many venues...with old & young family members alike. She has truly become a woman of faith, love and craziness that so many people enjoy and care for.

A Proverb comes to mind that really applies to how I feel about her..."The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure it is to have wise children." (23:24)

In a culture where parents dislike, degrade and even disown their kids, it feels great to be incredibly proud of ALL of mine.

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Altars

2010-07-19T13:34:00.000-07:00

Abraham's journey was marked by altars.

Sadly, "altars" have been forgotten in our day...the place where we connect with God has been lost.

Genesis 12:7 says..."Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him."

After obeying God’s call and migrating to Canaan--a journey of approximately 1000 miles--God again appeared to Abraham. That revelation caused him to build an altar in RESPONSE to God.

"After that, Abram traveled southward and set up camp in the hill country between Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar and worshiped the LORD." (Genesis 12:8)

Here we see Abraham travelling farther and then building another altar to God in between Bethel ("house of God") and Ai ("ruins"). I believe he was declaring he had been brought out of ruins into the presence of God. Abraham’s second altar was to WORSHIP God for what He had done in his life.

Maybe we should take time to respond to God today?
Maybe we should take time to worship God for all He's done?
Do you have a place where you connect with God regularly?

Maybe you and I need to build an "altar" in our lives today?

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Seat Belts

2010-06-16T14:39:00.000-07:00

I know the laws and safety issues, but, for whatever reason, I have always struggled with wearing a seat belt. Probably because "in my day" wearing one was optional. Anyway, I have almost got there, but occasionally I am 'caught' by my wife or kids.

Today DeeDee sent me this videoclip with a note that read...
"I want you to watch this".

If you struggle with this issue, you need to watch it too...

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An Everyday Battle

2010-06-09T11:39:00.000-07:00

Since I watched the Lakers game last night, this article I received today carried some weight...

"Many years ago I was on an annual retreat with our church leaders. After a busy afternoon, most of us men decided to relax and watch an NBA playoff game. The Lakers weren’t playing very well, so the network kept switching back and forth from the game to coach Phil Jackson. As the gap in the score widened, he was getting more and more perturbed.

Just over Phil Jackson’s shoulder sat a woman wearing a low-cut blouse. Whenever the camera showed the coach, it also included the woman. Not her face, mind you, just what most red-blooded men would find most interesting. Not surprisingly, the network showed the coach a lot during the latter half of the game. With each shot of Jackson, we saw less of the coach and more of the seductive woman.

I noticed that our leaders grew more and more silent. Finally I blurted out, “Kinda hard to keep looking at Phil Jackson, isn’t it?” The guys burst into laughter as every ounce of tension fled away. I don’t think anyone there was guilty of lust, though that’s exactly how it can start.

In an unguarded, unexpected moment, something grabs our attention, and without appropriate boundaries and an honest acknowledgment of the temptation, we silently and secretly yield. We can dwell on the image, nurture it into a fantasy, and—even in the middle of a room full of believers—allow the impulse to drag us into lust.

Simply noticing an enticing image doesn’t qualify as a lack of self-control. However, what happens in the five seconds after may qualify, depending on what we choose to do."

This leads me to a verse I have put to memory a few years ago...
"I discipline my body and make it my slave so that I myself will not be disqualified after I have preached to others."
(1 Corinthians 9:27)

Obviously, the apostle Paul had the same tendency as the rest of us. I wish that the longer you followed God, the easier resisting temptation became...but it doesn’t. Even when Paul was writing those words, he still had to face a battle that never skips a day.

--excerpts from Chuck Swindoll's 'The Pastor's Role, Soul and Home' Blog

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Time Alone With God Daily

2010-06-01T12:26:00.000-07:00

Let’s be honest...at times it seems as though everyone wants something from you.

In times of solitude with God, however, the only person who needs anything is you. You bring your needs, your thought, your worries, your self to God. The result? You’re left with a healthy perspective of who you are and what He has for you to experience, accomplish and enjoy.

Mark 1:35 tells us that “Jesus awoke long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray." Was Jesus a morning person? Not necessarily. Early morning was probably the only time He could be alone.

Author Chuck Swindoll writes..."Jesus found a way to balance the demands on His time with His need for solitude with the Father. This requires creativity and a willingness to inconvenience yourself...to the point of losing sleep, if necessary. Effective spiritual leaders must learn the discipline of keeping themselves in proper balance."

So many people are continually in motion. They can't remember the last time they were alone in God's presence. That's why so many are empty in life.

Spending time alone with God is an everyday investment that will incredibly affect who I am, what I experience in life and how I influence those around me.

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What Question Am I Asking?

2010-05-17T13:03:00.000-07:00

Why don’t I have more? Why don’t I have as much as him? Why don’t I have what she has? Why don’t I drive one of those? Why isn’t mine shiny, new and bigger like theirs? Culture wants me to focus on what I don't have.

But the question I need to ask is one that changes my approach, managing and thinking about money and stuff. The right question for us to ask...Why do I have more than I need?

The apostle Paul challenges all of us in this area..."Tell those who are rich in this world not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone. But their trust should be in the living God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment...Tell them they should be rich in good works and give generously to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them." (1 Timothy 6:17-19 NLT)

What if I began to think...When I’m blessed with more than I need, it’s because somebody else needs it. What if when I have “extra” I ask who could I help? What if when I have extra, I say to God...what are we going to do with it? What if when I have extra, I ask God...who needs my extra more than I do?

When I begin to realize I have more than I need...and when I begin asking the question "why do I have more than I need?" and when I recognize that God wants my 'extra' to help somebody else in need...everything changes.

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San Diego CityFest 2010

2010-05-13T13:05:00.001-07:00

Something to think about...

2010-05-10T14:55:00.000-07:00

"It is for us to pray not for tasks equal to our powers, but for powers equal to our tasks, to go forward with a great desire forever beating at the door of our hearts as we travel toward our distant goal." (Helen Keller)

"Unforced Rhythms"

2010-05-03T16:00:00.000-07:00

Living 100mph lives have become the "norm". All around
I see people who are living an unsustainable pace. Most people have no margin for the most important things in life.

I love how Jesus speaks to this…“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest…Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.” (Matthew 11:28-29 MSG)

I want to learn the "unforced rhythms" that Jesus speaks of.

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Is Our Bible Like Our Cell Phone?

2010-04-28T13:55:00.000-07:00

What if we treated our Bible like our phone?
What if we carried it with us always?
What if we checked it several times a day?
What if we went back if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages?
What if we couldn't live without it?

Just a thought...

One Life To Live

2010-04-27T16:55:00.000-07:00

What if you found out that you had only 1 week to live?
What if you found out you only had one month or one year to live?
The way you’d spend your time would probably change greatly.

God says, “You only have one life to live.” That’s it…you get to be 20 once, 30 once, 40 a couple of time and then 50, 60, 70, 80, 90...

Since you only get to do this once, shouldn't we prioritize how we spend our time? Look at what the Bible says…
"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of your time." (Ephesians 5:15-16)

I'm learning that life will pull me away from the things that matter most if I'm not careful.

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The power of God

2010-04-14T14:07:00.000-07:00

The apostle Paul writes as he prays...
"I pray you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of His power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in heavenly realms." (Ephesians 1:19-20)

Paul uses two amazing words to describe the power of God--"incredible greatness" are from 2 Greek words “huperballo” and “megethos” which in combination mean “to go way beyond”.

In other words...there is no point of comparison to explain, define or portray God’s power. None of us can ever imagine, understand or comprehend what God is capable of. None of us can fathom what could happen if we give God all of our lives.

I’m pretty sure that’s what Paul had in mind when he wrote...
"God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine." (Ephesians 3:20)

God has resources you don’t know about, timing you don’t know about, ideas you don’t know about and power you don’t know about. Specifically, God has power that He demonstrated visibly by raising Jesus from the dead.

There are times I have no idea how I’m going to make it through. I face moments of weakness and seasons of confusion. Often I find myself in situations that knock the wind out of me. Other times I don’t know which end is up. I need God’s power...How about you?

I want what Paul wanted..."All I want is to know Christ and to experience the power of His resurrection." (Philippians 3:10)

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This Changes Everything

2010-04-05T14:22:00.000-07:00

The 2nd law of thermodynamics states that..."everything in the universe moves toward disorder and decay".

It’s also called the law of entropy. We know this to be true...cars rust, food rots and the human body ages. The only way to prevent entropy is to introduce an outside energy source to counteract it. A refrigerator is a good example of this: you plug it into an electrical source and it produces cold air that keeps food from rotting, but if it gets disconnected from its energy source, entropy takes over and food spoils.

I agree with Mark Batterson in thinking that the law of entropy started in the Garden of Eden..."The LORD God put the man in the garden of Eden to care for it and work it. The LORD God commanded him, “You may eat the fruit from any tree in the garden, but you must not eat the fruit from the tree which gives the knowledge of good and evil. If you ever eat fruit from that tree, you will die!” (Genesis 2:15-17) We know what happened--Adam ate the fruit. According to the next chapter of Genesis, I believe this is where entropy started. Up to this point, mankind would have lived forever, but Adam’s sinful choice introduced the process of decay and death to mankind.

All of us are subject to this process..."Sin came into the world because of what one man did, and with sin came death." (Romans 5:12)

But the resurrection of Jesus changes everything..."One man sinned and so death ruled all people because of that one man. But now those people who accept God’s grace and the gift of being made right with Him will surely have true life through the one man, Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:17)

That’s why Easter is so important...it's the tipping point!

**Mark Batterson is author of "Primal", pastor of National Community Church in Washington, DC and one of my favorite podcast speakers.

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A Global Message

2010-04-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

Death: The Final Measure

2010-03-30T11:57:00.000-07:00

Recently, I watched the edited-for-TV version of the movie "300". Plus, I also saw the historical documentary about the same battle on the history channel.

It’s the story of the Battle of Thermopylae fought between an alliance of Greek city-states led by Spartan King Leonidas and the Persian Empire of King Xerxes during the second Persian invasion of Greece. A Greek force of approx 7000 men marched to confront the Persian army of millions in the summer of 480BC. Vastly outnumbered, the Greeks held off the Persians by blocking the only road by which the massive Persian army could pass. After the second day of battle, aware that his force was being outflanked, King Leonidas dismissed most of the Greek army and remained with 300 Spartans to fight to the death.

The Battle of Thermopylae under the leadership of Leonidas has become a symbol of courage against overwhelming odds as one of history's most famous last stands.

We are drawn to heroic deaths, the way a hero dies makes their story epic. We honor those who courageously face death for a cause. We look to see if their death makes a difference.

In all of history, no death was more noble or courageous than the death of Jesus. And no death makes a bigger difference than His death on a cross.

The OT prophet Isaiah spoke of this 100s of years before it actually happened..."He was beaten, he was tortured, but he didn’t say a word. Like a lamb taken to be slaughtered, he took it all in silence. He died without a thought for his own welfare, beaten bloody for the sins of the people. Still, it’s what God had in mind all along. The plan was that he give himself as an offering for sin so that he’d see life come from it." (Isaiah 53:7-10 MSG)

I live because He died. That's epic and I honor Him.

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2010-03-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

Great new song by FFH...

What are you passionate about?

2010-03-15T13:54:00.000-07:00

The German poet Hebbel wrote...
“Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion.”

But sadly though, we live in a world full of people without passion.
As Erwin McManus writes...“It’s rare to meet anyone with a passion for anything.”

Recently, I asked a group of people...”What are you passionate about?” Only 1 person out of 7 had a ready answer.

Maybe we need to do what the apostle Paul says...

"Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me." (Philippians 3:13-14)

"If there were ever a time to make a difference, it is now...

There is only one you—and you will only pass this way once.
Do something.”

--excerpt from "Do Something" part 06 on 03.14.10

Life Is Short

2010-03-05T15:51:00.000-08:00

Today I conducted my 3rd funeral in a 6-week period. Funerals remind me of what the Psalmist said..."LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away." (Psalm 39:4) Life is short.

I’ve realized is your perspective of life changes as you mature. As you get older, you think more about how long you have left.
Life is short.

All of us experience the same thing--24 hours in a day, 365 days in a year. And yet in the blink of an eye, it’s gone. Life is short.

Isn’t it time you make sure you are right with God?
Today is the only day we're sure of.

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2010-02-20T13:48:00.001-08:00

2010-02-17T18:49:00.000-08:00

Here's a funny video...

Lesson: "Time Flies"

2010-02-16T16:13:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that a whole month has passed by since my last posting. I remember hearing "old people" say that 'time flies'--now I find myself saying it often. Uh-oh!

I'm in good company, though, because the psalmist David wrote..."LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away." (Psalm 39:4)

Within the last 2 weeks, I have conducted two funeral services. My take-away from them was the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity you have to love God and love the people in your life. I feel challenged to make those my priorities instead of the things that seem to scream for my attention and time.

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2010-01-13T10:37:00.000-08:00

Here's one to make you laugh...

2010-01-06T17:16:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for our new series, I came across this...

Francis Chan is the pastor of Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, CA. He is also the Founder and Chancellor of Eternity Bible College and author of the best-selling book, Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God. He speaks regularly at events and conferences nationally and internationally.

He's also one of my favorite speakers to listen to.

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A Christmas Reminder

2009-12-15T12:27:00.000-08:00

I read this and was challenged...

"If I may borrow from Dickens’s famous line, Christmas can be 'the best of times, the worst of times.'

We have them both, don’t we?

Who hasn’t cringed in September as stores already promote the Christmas decor? Who hasn’t felt uneasy about the exchange of gifts with people you hardly know? Who hasn't fretted over trying to fit one more party into the hectic schedule? Something about those experiences can make them seem like 'the worst of times.'

I prefer to view Christmas as 'the best of times.' This is God’s annual reminder to us: 'Feel the warmth in all the lights? Smell that tree? See those gifts? Hear those songs? They're all a reminder that My Son came for you.'"

I need to allow the season to stir me as a reminder. I need to allow the things familiar to point me to what God has done for me.

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Good News of Great Joy

2009-12-07T13:54:00.000-08:00

Something I read online goes right with what I talked about yesterday...

"The gospel remains a scandal because it announces joy right when everything is falling apart, just when today's experts offer "sober assessments of the current situation," and in their euphoric moments can only say they remain "cautiously optimistic." The gospel's tone is utterly foreign to all this.

"Do not be afraid," the angel tells the quaking shepherds. "I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." The church's angelic mission to the world is no different. "Do not be afraid," we announce to a world shivering in the dark. "We bring good news of a great joy—for everyone!"

I need to hear this today.

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A Homeless God

2009-12-02T14:59:00.000-08:00

Today my wife sent me an article from Frank Viola entitled "A Homeless God".

It's worth reading...

"The pages of history are littered with the sobering fact that God is no longer present in the places He once visited. Go to the landmarks of past revivals, and you'll quickly discover that the crowds have diminished. The joy is gone. The life has evaporated. In many cases, those places are but hollow shells today.

Contemplate this thought: If God 'visits' a church, it betrays the fact that it doesn't belong to Him. A homeowner doesn't visit his own home--he lives in it. In a divine visitation, God will bless His people, but He will eventually move on and search for a home that He can call his own. The best the Lord can do is visit--He cannot take up residency.

'As you come to Him, the Living Stone -- rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to Him -- you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house…' (1 Peter 2:4-5a)

I want you to imagine countless living stones scattered all over the earth. I want you to see innumerable living stones living their individual lives. I want you to see scores of living stones who love God, but who are isolated and independent of other living stones.

The burning intent of your God is that all of His living stones be built together with other living stones to form His house. Not for themselves, but to be the house of God, by God and for God.

Without people who are being assembled together, God is a wandering, homeless God. And we are wondering, homeless Christians. Your Lord wishes to build Himself into a people, and He wishes to build a people into Himself. He is looking for willing vessels who will abandon their individualism and live a shared life with others under His exclusive headship."

There's more to participating in a local church than we realize.

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So Much To Be Thankful For...

2009-11-25T18:57:00.000-08:00

The Bible Is The Source

2009-11-17T09:47:00.000-08:00

This morning I received a newsletter from someone who has influenced my faith, thinking and teaching. For over 25 years, Chuck Swindoll's books have been a source of challenge and change in my life.

Once again, I find myself motivated by his words..."If I could have only one wish for God’s people, it would be for all of us to realize once for all that God’s Book has the answers. The Bible is the authority, the final resting place of our cares, our worries, our grief, our tragedies, our sorrows, and our surprises. It is the final answer to our questions. Our search for solutions ends there. Turning back to the Scriptures will provide something that nothing else on earth can give."

This is something I believe and desire to see others realize.

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Watch A New Video from The Water Project, Inc

2009-11-11T16:11:00.000-08:00

Our church funded an entire well to provide clean, fresh water for the people of the Aleko community in Kenya through this same organization.

The Water Project, Inc is an incredible ministry partner!

God Is Here

2009-11-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

People say...”Jesus only came to earth to die.” If so, why did it take him 33 years? Why didn't He just come at breakfast, die by lunchtime and be back in heaven by dinner time? I don’t believe Jesus came only to die...I think there was more to it than that.

The conversation the angel had with Joseph about Mary’s pregnancy gives us the reason..."The angel said, 'Joseph, descendant of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because the baby in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.' All this happened to bring about what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will be pregnant. She will have a son, and they will name him Immanuel,’ which means “God is with us.” (Matthew 1:20-23)

God wants people to know He is with them so He does something crazy...in the middle of the night, Jesus is born in a manger.

Also, just before Jesus left planet earth, he said a few final words...“I will be with you always." (Matthew 28:20)

This is something God wants us to know...GOD IS HERE.

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Who is God to you?

2009-11-09T13:34:00.000-08:00

God Is Aware

2009-11-03T15:52:00.000-08:00

In a very obscure chapter of the Bible. a prophet had been praying for something to happen and then he waited and waited.

In a vision, an angel speaks to him..."Daniel, God loves you. Stand up and listen carefully to what I am going to say. I have been sent to you...God has heard your prayers ever since the first day you decided to humble yourself in order to gain understanding. I have come in answer to your prayer." (Daniel 10:11-12 TEV)

God knows how impossible situations seem to me...
God knows how inadequate I feel at times...
God knows how insufficient my resources appear...
God knows how frustrated, how discouraged, how stressed I am...

I need to realize God is aware of what’s going on in my life.

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Our Father Understands

2009-10-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

In the Prodigal Son story of Luke 15, I was reminded of how the father understands.

Nothing could have been worse for a Jewish boy than to waste everything and end up in the middle of a pigpen--wanting to eat the pig's food. His condition snaps him into reality and he decides to return home to his father. And when he does, he finds his father waiting with open arms.

The psalmist speaks about our heavenly Father...
"The Lord is merciful and gracious. He is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does He deal with us as we deserve. For His unfailing love is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our rebellious acts as far away as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to His children, tender and compassionate for He understands how weak we are." (Psalm 103:8-14)

God is an understanding father who waits on us to come to Him.

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Introducing Kiva.com

2009-10-23T15:36:00.000-07:00

To help alleviate poverty, we have become involved in giving loans to entrepreneurs in undeveloped nations through Kiva.com.

Click on the kiva logo to watch the video to understand more about how it works.

If you're interested in donating as a part of Pathway's team, please contact me.

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