Thoughts of Jesus

The first and final thought of Jesus was thought about God -- Adolph Schlatter

This thought provoking quote was in "Beginning with God" a Beliefnet post by Scott McKnight

River Fishing

The Recession and Non Profits

A fascinating report from Christian Leadership Alliance regarding the Recession's Impact on Christian Non-Profit Organizations

How to Make Good Decisions

Usually, it’s not too difficult to make a good decision. Most decisions we make can be determined by plain old common sense.

The CEO of a major corporation once said, “95% of the decisions I make could be made by any intelligent fifth grader. I’m paid the big bucks for the other 5%.”

Of course, as we have seen lately in the news, some CEO’s are paid the big bucks and make crummy decisions anyway! An intelligent fifth grader understands values such as honesty, uprightness, and compassion.

Nevertheless, there are certain decisions in life that are not the “slam dunk” variety. Sometimes, it’s really hard to know what to do.

When faced with a difficult decision, here are a few points to ponder:

Have you prayed about it? God can give you wisdom beyond your own for this situation. Most people panic first and pray later, “God, get me out of this mess!” It’s much better to pray first, and then you won’t have to panic later!

What is the bottom, bottom line? When all else is said and done, what is the single most important issue at stake in this decision?

What are all the possible courses of action? Often, people fall into the trap of thinking there are only two options. Usually, there are at least ten different ways to address a problem. List as many as you can. Try for ten! Which item on the list seems to be the best path to pursue first?

Do your heart and head agree? If not, why not?

What are the pro’s and con’s of each course of action. What is the most logical decision based on this? Do you have peace about that?

What do wise friends and counselors say? (Emphasis here is “wise” – There are plenty of people who will toss out unwise advice. You don’t need that kind of influence. Think of the person you most respect. How would that person handle this situation?

Are your emotions clouding your decision making process? It’s very difficult to make a good decision when you are angry, discouraged, fatigued or afraid. Sometimes, it’s best to step back and for a fresh perspective.

When you’ve done the best you can, lie down and go to sleep. God is still awake.

Holy Roller

Julie Lyons, Wisconsin girl, turned skeptical crime reporter in Texas, was following a lead in South Dallas -- seeking stories, in this crime ridden community, of people who had been supernaturally healed from drug addictions.

She happened upon a small, rundown church, The Body of Christ Assembly, pastored by Rev. Frederick Eddington, and this encounter transformed her life.

In her recent book, Holy Roller, Lyons recounts her journey from a disengaged, conflicted, doubter to a full blown participant in a vibrant, pentecostal, African American faith community (She's the only white girl in the house.)

She shares frankly and openly about her personal struggles, as well as making troubling observations of those who abuse position and authority in the church. (After all, she was a crime reporter, remember -- turned religion columnist, "Bible Girl"-- but that's another story.)

It's encouraging to note that the pastor of the church, Rev. Eddington and his wife, Diane, are the genuine article. Lyons knows all the inner workings of this little congregation, and has nothing but positive and uplifting things to say about these unsung heroes on the front lines of ministry.

Holy Roller gives the reader an intriguing "front pew" view of African American Pentecostalism. I walked away with a fresh understanding and appreciation of these brothers and sisters, though there is definitely no sugar coating.

One of the most attractive things about the book is its stark honesty. There's not much nuance -- it's simple and real.

I also marvel at the power of the Holy Spirit, who certainly has performed some mighty miracles in the life of Julie Lyons. (I'm also glad to hear that after nearly two decades in Dallas, she still remains a loyal Packer fan!)

Purchase here.

Children's Ministry Facility Expansion

Yesterday, the congregation voted overwhelmingly to move forward with the building project to provide more space for our children's ministry. It's reallly needed -- amd will help us tremendously as we continue to reach out to the rising generation.

When Getting it Done isn't Getting it Done

In an effort to get the work of the Lord done, we often lose contact with the Lord and quite literally wear our people out as well.

-- Andrew Tozer

Bishop Calls Personal Salvation A Heresy

In a stunning departure from historic orthodoxy, the presiding Episcopal Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori, claimed that prayers of repentance for personal salvation is heresy and idolatry:

She called it "The great Western heresy: that we can be saved as individuals, that any of us alone can be in right relationship with God."

Contrary to the Bishop. I believe in personal salvation. Each one of us must give an account before the Lord -- and we all need God's saving grace. True faith, like a good education, does not come by social osmosis. Every great movement of God in history has emphasized this fact.

When Jesus spoke to Nicodemus, he said "You" must be born again. He was speaking personally -- not in the general sense. It's personal!

Jesus said to the woman at the well, I will give "You" (singular) living water. It's personal!

Peter, preaching in Acts said, "Repent and be baptized, every "One" of you." It's personal!

Indeed, salvation is personal! Every person needs it! Every person can have it!

When persons confess their personal sins, and open up the chambers of their personal lives, and ask Christ to come in as their personal Savior and Lord, He will bring a personal transformation!

I'm reminded of the old spiritual that says, "It's me, It's me, or Lord, standing in the need of prayer."

AFTER that, I'm inclined to agree with the Bishop. Then, it goes far beyond being "personal." An individualized, privatized faith that has no concern for mercy, compassion and justice is contrary to the heart of God.

With Christs love in our hearts, we will naturally go forth and bless OTHERS.

Alaska at Last

My good friend, Rachel Skime, recently left for Alaska to teach for a year in a remote wilderness village. (And here I thought Hayward was a remote wilderness village all this time!!)

She's just started a blog to chronicle her adventures: Alaska At Last!

I encourage you to swing by, pay her a visit, and maybe leave a comment. She's a long way from home.