The Lost World of Genesis One
Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate – John H. Walton. IVP Academic. “In this astute mix of cultural critique and biblical studies, John H. Walton presents and defends eighteen propositions supporting a literary and theological understanding of Genesis 1 within the context of the ancient Near Eastern world, and unpacks its implications for our modern
What God Is Doing in Our Midst
Many people have been asking about what the Lord seems to be doing in our midst in these days. Who knows all God has in His matchless mind for these days? But there are some things I do know. I DO KNOW: The Lord graciously awakened our church two weeks ago. We have been praying
Performing Well Under Pressure
For many years, “ABC’s Wide World of Sports” opened with various scenes of athletic competition and these famous words, “…the thrill of victory…and the agony of defeat…the human drama of athletic competition.” Within those words is the subtle reminder that even skilled and experienced athletes often collapse under the pressure of competition. One of the
The Joys and Trials of Travel
Not long ago, I had the privilege of taking two flights on a private jet. Because of the graciousness and generosity of an individual, I found out what it was like not to go through the hassles of TSA search and seizure, seats with no padding, crowds of cranky people, and tired ticket agents. I
S Is for Sacrifice (Part 2)
(Continued from Part 1) If we want to build Christian character, we will sacrifice.“Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matt. 10:39). One of the paradoxes of the Christian life is that the losers are the winners, provided that they sacrifice their own will
Be Strong and Take Courage
by Michael Catt (from the Leap of Faith series) Joshua 1 “Even some of the bravest men, although fully prepared beforehand, either stand still or hesitate when the thing needs to be done.” – John Calvin “He deals with nations according to their actions and acts in judgment only when a nation’s cup of iniquity
"Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world." - Joel Barker
"Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow." - Ronald E. Osborn
"The man who does things makes many mistakes, but he never makes the biggest mistake of all--doing nothing." - Benjamin Franklin
"The more you seek security, the less of it you have. But the more you seek opportunity, the more likely it is that you will achieve the security that you desire." - Brian Tracy
Vision
"The essence of real leadership is to allow your people to see your need and desire for learning. Your actions speak more than your words. Today's leaders must be students of change first, before they become teachers of change to others." - Jack Kahl
"I learned that a great leader is a man who has the ability to get other people to do what they don't want to do and like it." - Harry Truman
"You do not lead by hitting people over the head--that's assault, not leadership." - Dwight D. Eisenhower
Leadership
The Final Word
An analysis of the final statements of all 446 men and women Texas has executed since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976 reveals, among other things, that “love” is by far the most frequently uttered word. Love* 630 Thanks* 243 Sorry 211 God 175 Death* 132 Lord 130 Life 126 Peace 95
Teens’ Texting Behavior
What teens admit to Texting practices What parents believe 41% Sent, received or forwarded a textthat said something sexual 11% 52% Read someone else’s texts or had their textsread by someone without permission 8% 43% Put someone down or insulted someone in a text 10%
Lasting Influence
Protestant pastors nationwide were asked to identify the top three living Christian preachers and leaders that most influence them. The top 10, based on the number of times they were mentioned are: PreachersBilly GrahamCharles SwindollCharles StanleyRick WarrenJohn MacArthurBarbara Brown TaylorDavid JeremiahMax LucadoJohn PiperAndy Stanley LeadersBilly GrahamJames DobsonRick WarrenCharles StanleyDesmond TutuCharles SwindollJim WallisBill HybelsJohn MacArthurChuck Colson(LifeWay
Seasons of the Soul
Stages of Spiritual Development– Bruce Demarest, Formatio. InterVarsity Press. (From the preface)“Understanding the seasons and dynamics of the spiritual journey will equip us to guide others more skillfully on their challenging life journeys. I trust that it will better enable us to realize God’s high purpose in this life, which is the exciting process of