Tag: Christian

The Authentic Search for God…

Richard Rohr
Richard Rohr (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dr. Steve McSwain writes:

In an authentic search for God, the cosmos of inclusiveness just keeps widening and expanding, not unlike the ever-expanding universe in which we live.

That’s a bit of a paraphrase of something Fr. Richard Rohr says in his book Immortal Diamond. It has been my experience, too. It seems the more aware I become of the Immortal Presence, the wider my heart stretches to include all persons…all faiths…all traditions.

Without judgment.  With love. Continue reading “The Authentic Search for God…” →

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I Have Learned So Much

I
Have Learned
So much from God
That I can no longer
Call Myself

A Christian, a Hindu, a Muslim,
a Buddhist, a Jew.

The Truth has shared so much of Itself
With me

That I can no longer call myself
A man, a woman, an angel,
Or even a pure
Soul.

Love has
Befriended Hafiz so completely
It has turned to ash
And freed
Me

Of every concept and image
my mind has ever known.

From: ‘The Gift’
Translated by Daniel Ladinsky

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Why ALL are equal in front of the law & an apology from one Christian

I find this post from Mastin Kipp thought provoking:

“BUT, as a lover of Jesus, it breaks my heart to see so many “Christians” hate so many people. I believe to be a Christian simply means to try your best to be Christ-like, and all that means is to be as LOVING as possible. I have a tattoo of a cross on my left arm and it says on it only two words, “Be Love”. It’s my constant reminder that no matter what path we walk in the world, Love is always the bottom line. And Love has many different forms.

I believe that there is no stopping an idea whose time has come, and the time for marriage equality has come.

Jesus didn’t say, “Love the sinner, hate the sin” – he simply said above all else, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” So on behalf of all Christians, please accept my apology if any of us have made you feel hated, judged or criticized for who you were born to be – be it gay, straight or anything else.

You were made perfectly. You are perfect. And as so many stand in judgment, perhaps you could give them a little dose of Jesus and simply utter the prayer “Forgive them Father, they know not what they do.”

Go to the source of this quote to read his entire post: Why ALL are equal in front of the law & an apology from one Christian.“

Mastin Kipp
Continue reading “Why ALL are equal in front of the law & an apology from one Christian” →
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Pastors, Politics, and the American Republic

John Piper writes:

For those reading from the States, today is Independence Day, the peak of America‘s summer. So in the midst of cookouts and fireworks, let’s do a quick dial back to the founders.

America and its founders. Now that’s a conversation folks can get passionate about, whether in political rhetoric or some Christian circles. However, beyond any dispute on the role Christianity played in those early days, we can say undoubtedly that public opinion in 1776 considered Christians beneficial to the American republic. In short, the consensus was that Christians bring a lot of societal good in a representative democracy.

The man who led the way in articulating this benefit was John Witherspoon, founding father, Presbyterian minister and president of Princeton University, among other things. Though he flies under the radar in many history classes, Witherspoon’s influence is significant. And while he embodied the major intellectual traditions of his day, he has a helpful word on the gospel’s influence in society.

Witherspoon contended that the contribution of “true religion” to the public order is the morality of its adherents. Or said another way, the gospel’s influence on society comes by the means of transformed lives.

And this influence is stewarded by the church’s pastors. Witherspoon writes,

The return which is expected from [pastors] to the community is, that by the influence of their religious government, their people may be the more regular citizens, and the more useful members of society. I hope none here will deny, that the manners of the people in general are of the utmost moment to the stability of any civil society. When the body of a people are altogether corrupt in their manners, the government is ripe for dissolution.

Good laws may hold the rotten bark some longer together, but in a little time all laws must give way to the tide of popular opinion, and be laid prostrate under universal practice. Hence it clearly follows, that the teachers and rulers of every religious denomination are bound mutually to each other, and to the whole society, to watch over the manner of their several members.1

How might pastors influence their people to be “the more useful members of society”? Or how might they “watch over the manner of their several members”? By “feed[ing] the saints with such meals that they go out strengthened and robust and able to do the study and do the courage and do the action needed as salt and light in this world.” via Pastors, Politics, and the American Republic – Desiring God.

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The Gospel in Two Minutes

Earlier this Spring we had the chance to hear from Trip Lee on his new album and its connection to the gospel and on-the-ground sanctification. In this video he explains the gospel in two minutes.

via The Gospel in Two Minutes.

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It Has Only Been Recently in History that Many Christian Groups Began Viewing Drinking as Sinful

Reference via It Has Only Been Recently in History that Many Christian Groups Began Viewing Drinking as Sinful.

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12 Ways to Know If You Are a Leader

“While everyone has the potential to be a leader, most never take up the mantle. They are content to let others take the risk and do the work.

Several years ago, I read a post by Tony Morgan called “10 Easy Ways to Know You’re Not a Leader.” I took that list, and then inverted and expanded it.

Here are twelve ways to know if you are a leader.” Go to the source if you’re interested in Michael Hyatt’s 12 Ways: 12 Ways to Know If You Are a Leader | Michael Hyatt.

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What Do Your Kids Think About Marriage?

Marriage Day

How do you decide whom to marry?

“You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.”  ‒ Alan, age 10

How can a stranger tell if two people are married? “You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.” – Derrick, age 8

What do you think your mom and dad have in common?  “Both don’t want any more kids.” – Lori, age 8

When is it okay to kiss someone?  “When they’re rich.” – Pam, age 7

How would you make a marriage work?  “Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a dump truck.” – Ricky, age 10

Classic.  So what do your kids think about your marriage?  If you think you need to do a better job portraying what a marriage should be, the first step is to renew the romance. Start with a getaway.  Have you ever planned a trip for just you and your wife without the kids?  If not, or if you want to do another trip, here are 10 tips for a romantic getaway.

via What Do Your Kids Think About Marriage? | All Pro Dad Blog.

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The Easter Song

Rare live footage of my favorite Christian group singing the ultimate Easter song…

Here’s the same song from Keith Green…

Crank it up! Happy Easter…

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The kind of supper you would remember…

Last Supper

One of my favorite Christian writers Jon Swanson has an excellent reflection on the Last Supper today…

“I am leaving soon. Just as I’ve been telling you for months. You will keep seeing each other, but I’ll be gone, taking care of our business. This bread? Every time you eat it, remember this time. Remember my hands. This wine? Every time you drink it, remember that what’s about to happen is for you.”

If you heard that, you’d remember. Your whole life would remember.

Source: The kind of supper you would remember. | 300 words a day

Go to the source if you’d like to read the entire post. Follow his blog while you’re there…

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Prayer doesn’t work

Scan of a Valentine greeting card dated 1909.
Image via Wikipedia

One of my favorite Christian writers, Jon Swanson, reposted some very pithy content a few days ago…

I’d like to return this Valentine’s Day card.”

I can help you with that. … Um, you know that this has writing on it, right?

“Yep. I wrote that.”

You can’t return cards that have been used.

“Two weeks ago, I was in here. I bought a sweater. The first time I wore it, the sleeve started to unravel. You took that back.”

Yep. The sweater was defective. How’s the new one?

“Great. Thanks. Now, about that card?”

But you can’t return cards that have been used.

“The other month, I was in here. I had a toaster. It didn’t heat up. You took that back.”

Yep. The toaster was defective. Were you able to find another one?

“I went to another store and they were able to give me what I wanted. Now, about that card.”

But you can’t return cards that have been used.

“I wore the sweater. You took it back. I used the toaster. You took it back. Why are you making a scene about the card?”

It’s different. You can’t return cards that have been used.

“But it didn’t work. I wrote in it. I gave it to my wife. And it didn’t work. So I would like a refund.”

What do you mean, exactly, that it didn’t work?

“Isn’t that a little personal? I mean, you have pictures of men handing women cards and the women smiling.  And pictures of men handing women chocolate and the women smiling. And I won’t even start to tell you what happened when other stores showed pictures of men handing women diamond bracelets. But it didn’t work.”

You mean your wife didn’t smile when you handed her the card?

“It was more of a snort.”

When was this?

“On the 16th. I got it when they were marked down.”

Source: Prayer doesn’t work (a repost) | 300 words a day

Ponder that for awhile…

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A Comforting Message for the New Year

Spurgeon near the end of his life.
Image via Wikipedia

Charles Spurgeon said:

But here is the joy, here is the peace of Christians, that our salvation is a finished one! We have not a farthing to pay to complete the ransom of our souls. We have not a stitch to set to finish the robe of our salvation. We have not an act to perform, a prayer to offer, a tear to weep, a thought to think in order to finish the work of our redemption! I know that all these things shall be worked in us and, that by the Spirit of God we shall be made to do them — but all that shall not be with any view to the completion of our salvation — that was finished in the Person of the bleeding Lamb of Calvary! . . .

Either Christ completed all that was necessary for your salvation, or he did not! If he did finish it, then rest in him and be glad, and say, “I am secure forever because my salvation is finished. I have nothing to do but to live to the honor of him who has completely saved me by his Grace, his blood, his righteousness.

Download the entire sermon, “A Comforting Message for the Closing Year” (PDF).

Source: A Comforting Message for the Closing Year – Desiring God

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10 Strategies to Help Solve Your Marriage Problems

Many good marriages slip into crisis because we don’t or won’t believe how much work it takes to keep relationships humming at optimal levels. Another reason is a simple failure in imagination.

But – if successful courting requires commitment, hard work and imagination to pull off… then why does it surprise us when neglect hurts relationships after we walk down the aisle? She wouldn’t have married you if you took her for granted – why risk everything now?

There are many good strategies if we want to restore a problematic – or “under the weather” – marriage. All Pro Dad suggests the following 10 for men who want to get the ball rolling…

via allprodad.com

Follow the ‘via’ link if you’re interested in the 10 strategies…

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Putting Conflict to R.E.S.T.

Created by Phil Scoville on June 25, 2005 Down...
Image via Wikipedia

No marriage is perfect. We all have conflict from time to time. Resolving conflict can be one of the biggest challenges in marriage.  When conflict goes unresolved, it causes tension and builds a wall between husband and wife.  When attempts at addressing conflict are unproductive or harsh, it can lead to resentment, discouragement and even bigger problems than you faced originally.

So, after you’ve cooled down and taken a break, how can you address conflict successfully in your marriage?  One way is to practice the R.E.S.T. method.

via markmerrill.com

Follow the ‘via’ link if you want the R.E.S.T. of the idea…

;-)

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5 Traits of a Good Marriage

Hindu marriage ceremony from a Rajput wedding.
Image via Wikipedia

Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, say in their book, When Bad Things Happen to Good Marriages, that there are 5 traits of a healthy, life-long marriage: ownership, hope, empathy, forgiveness, and commitment. Here is a summary of each of those characteristics.

1. Ownership: Taking Responsibility

Often, couples believe their problems are the result of the other person’s actions.  It’s easy to avoid responsibility for our problems by blaming someone else.  But in the long-haul, admitting mistakes and owning up to our part of the problem is the single most powerful predictor of turning something bad into something good. Couples need to realize that it’s not who’s wrong, but what’s wrong that counts.

2. Hope:  Believing that Good Ultimately Triumphs

The foundation of hope is belief.  We must believe that the kind of marriage we want is possible.  Hope keeps love alive.  Stop hoping and marriage dies.

3. Empathy:  Walking in your Spouse’s Shoes

A spouse must be aware of what their spouse is feeling and what’s behind that feeling.  Empathy involves both the head and the heart. Many of us do one or the other pretty well; we either feel our partner’s pain with our heart, or we try to solve their problem with our head.  To do both can be a challenge.  But that is what empathy is all about.

4. Forgiveness:  Healing the Wounds

In a good marriage, both husbands and wives are quick to ask for forgiveness and to grant forgiveness. The simple words, “I was wrong. Will you please forgive me?” are magical in marriage. Forgiveness was designed to heal the deepest wounds of a human heart.

5. Commitment: Loving for Life

No matter how long a couple has been married, commitment may be the most effective tool good marriages use in battling bad things. Without commitment and the trust it engenders, marriages would have little hope of lasting.

In the face of difficulty, the key is to stay committed to your spouse and work together. Sit down with your spouse tonight and discuss how you are doing in each of these categories.

via markmerrill.com

As the Apostle Paul said “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” I’m struggling with many of these issues right now, trying to do the right thing with my wife despite manipulation from her family. Don’t they realize we have enough drama in our lives without more from their Karpman Drama Triangle?! Apparently not — the problem is that other people are unmanageable and the only thing I can manage is me…

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Joel Osteen jokes…

Alriiiiiiight…

;-)

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To forgive…

“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”

– Lewis B. Smedes, was a best-selling and renowned Christian author. 

via thedailylove.com
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Survey Reveals 5 Opportunities for Churches on Facebook

Image representing Facebook as depicted in Cru...
Image via CrunchBase

Most respondents indicated they don’t think their church is doing a particularly good job with Facebook. While those results could be perceived as negative, a closer look reveals some big opportunities for those churches willing to embrace the world’s largest social network.

  1. Communicate More – Clearly people would like to see their church do more on Facebook.
  2. Ministry Pages – A second opportunity for churches is for individual ministries to engage with people through Facebook pages.
  3. Facilitate Connections – A third opportunity for churches is to help their people connect with one another.
  4. Evangelism – A fourth opportunity for churches is to encourage and train their people to develop relationships with those who are not Christians and show God’s grace and love to them.
  5. Facebook Ads – A fifth opportunity for churches is to use Facebook ads to reach out to people in their community.

A detailed report on the survey results including lots of pretty charts and additional analysis is available at OurChurch.com.

via churchmarketingsucks.com

Happy Sunday! I’m blessed to be bringing a new client on board — Q90 FM in Green Bay. Here’s a great post from a great resource I found; Church Marketing Sucks! :-D

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Our Daily Journey: technology and the trivial

Image representing Twitter as depicted in Crun...

If our technology had existed in Jesus’ day, our Bibles might read: “Jesus asked His disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ but they were checking their e-mail and missed the question.” Or “A third time He asked him, ‘Simon . . . do you love Me?’ Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time, but then his cell phone rang and he replied, ‘I’m sorry, Lord, I’ve got to take this.’ ” Or on Pentecost, “Peter continued preaching for a long time, and a handful of people believed and were baptized while thousands more texted and sent out tweets on Twitter” (see Mark 8:27-28; John 21:15; Acts 2:40-41).

Technology can stifle our spiritual growth in subtle ways. The first Christians “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). None of these things come easily in our wired world.

Who has the time or discipline to study the apostles’ teaching and pray when cable television and the Internet jangle with unimportant yet interesting diversions? Let’s face it, our lives would be little changed if we missed that latest score, review, or celebrity gossip. Yet filling our minds with such minutiae comes at some cost, for we may unknowingly project our reading of the virtual world upon the eternal truths of God’s Word. When everything is trivial, then anything is trivial.

via ourdailyjourney.org

Remember the line in Jesus Christ Superstar? “Israel in 4BC had no mass communication”. Maybe there was a reason for that? :-D

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