tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83603991930725792902024-03-05T02:12:16.615-08:00Phillip D. Wilson's BlogMeanderings about Phil's novel, The Last Great Adventure, life, ministry, church and other stuff.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360399193072579290.post-2663530566084527922013-12-12T13:27:00.000-08:002013-12-12T13:27:17.586-08:00The Last Great Adventure is now available on Kindle!!!As a response to a lot of readers and potential readers, The Last Great Adventure is available on Kindle!!! After the publisher decided not to release as an e-book, I began to work on getting a release so I could self-publish and we are done!!! Go to Amazon at the link below to purchase:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-Great-Adventure-Phillip-Wilson-ebook/dp/B00H8XGM22/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386882981&sr=1-3&keywords=the+last+great+adventure">http://www.amazon.com/Last-Great-Adventure-Phillip-Wilson-ebook/dp/B00H8XGM22/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386882981&sr=1-3&keywords=the+last+great+adventure</a>#_<br />
<br />
Kindle version is priced at $4.99. The paperback version is still available from Amazon and signed copies are available at <a href="http://www.phillipdwilson.com/">www.phillipdwilson.com</a>. Pick one up for Christmas!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360399193072579290.post-44233255721011056742013-12-11T07:06:00.000-08:002013-12-11T07:06:31.497-08:00New book, "Noah's Rules", is available on Amazon.com!My new book, "Noah's Rules", is available for purchase on Amazon for only $4.95. This book is a collection of life lessons taken from observations of my son Noah's life as he lived it. It is filled with heart warming stories, great photos, etc. A great companion book to "The Last Great Adventure" or if you just want to reflect on the life lessons taken from your own circle of loved ones. Get it today on Amazon!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360399193072579290.post-69241272218640549162013-10-18T13:38:00.000-07:002013-10-18T13:38:21.910-07:00Another new positive review for "The Last Great Adventure"!Check our the latest review for The Last Great Adventure!<br />
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<a href="http://upliftingfamilies.com/great-adventure-heaven-phillip-wilson/">http://upliftingfamilies.com/great-adventure-heaven-phillip-wilson/</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360399193072579290.post-39933738268301926152013-10-01T06:09:00.000-07:002013-10-01T06:09:03.400-07:00Tuesday's Top Eight- Vision Problems<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Church Vision Problems <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Proverbs 28:19 says, “Where there is no vision, the people
perish.” So, for those that are Christians, you would think that we would be
good to go, right? But during my time in church, I have observed several vision
problems that could use correction. Here’s the top eight: <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> <strong>
</strong></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Near Sighted</strong>- Would really like to go into all
the world, but have trouble seeing past the front door, or the bottom of their
wallet.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Far Sighted</strong>- So satisfied with the slide show
from the orphanage in Belarus, where they’ve sent $50 a month, they forget that
there are hurting people here too.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Short Sighted</strong>- Spend, spend, spend, not worried
about the fact that someone else will have to budget for this after we are
gone. (You know, kind of like Congress.)Uses the term “walk in faith” like a
club and a shield to cover for poor planning and absence of reason.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Negative Outlook</strong>- The glass is ¾ empty, cracked,
and dirty…and the water is muddy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> <strong>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Ro</span></strong></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">s</span>e-Colored Glasses Syndrome</strong>- The church is
in decline, but we’re just fine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Splinter
and Beam Injury</strong>- Causes by hitting the beam in your eye against something while
trying to remove the splinter from someone else’s eye.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Heritage Hindsight</strong> – Afflicted with fond visions
and recollections of days gone by. These folks frequently plow up the corn
while looking back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>“I” Trouble</strong>- “I” did this and “I” want that. This
issue is usually brought on by a case of the “Me”asles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Somebody get me my seeing-eye dog…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360399193072579290.post-45939822175170099972013-09-24T06:00:00.002-07:002013-09-24T06:00:39.029-07:00Tuesday's Top Ten: Church Diseases
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<strong><em>Last week, Thom Rainer had this article by Church Lawless on his website- I thought I'd share it here. You can see more great thoughtful stuff at <a href="http://www.thomrainer.com/">www.ThomRainer.com</a>.</em></strong><br />
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10 Church Diseases<br />
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<strong><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt;">By Chuck Lawless</span></i></strong><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt;">In the 1990s, Peter Wagner published <i>The Healthy Church</i>,
a book describing several diseases that churches sometimes exhibit. Some of his
descriptions are quite helpful (e.g., <i>koinonitis </i>= excessive, inward
fellowship), and the list itself challenges readers to come up with their own
descriptions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt;">Here are ten diseases I see as I consult with unhealthy churches
around the country:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt;">Community Disconnect Disease.</span></strong><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt;"> Churches with this disease meet within
a given community, but they do not know that community. Often, church members
drive to the church building, meet as “church,” and then drive home – without
ever taking note of a changing community around them. In fact, I’ve seen church
members with this disease lock their doors as they drive through the community
where their congregation gathers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt;">Methodological Arthritis.</span></strong><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt;"> I give credit to my former student, Kevin Minchey, for
naming this condition. The name says it all: this church is stuck in doing
things the way they’ve always done them. Change (that is, movement) is painful,
and it’s seemingly easier not to take a step forward. What these churches often
don’t recognize is that standing still is also risky. Eventually, they will not
move at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt;">The “Grass is Greener” Syndrome.</span></strong><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt;"> This syndrome is a malady of leaders
who are always looking for the next church leadership position. They establish
no roots, and their current congregation is only a stepping-stone to the next
place. Because they are always looking elsewhere, they miss the present tense
blessings of their ministry. And, though leaders think otherwise, a church often
recognizes when its leader has this syndrome.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt;">Professional Wrestling Sickness.</span></strong><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt;"> I grew up watching professional
wrestling (with my Church of God grandma, no less...). Professional wrestling
is hero vs. villain, right vs. wrong, good vs. evil – <i>but it’s all fake</i>.
The church with PWS talks a good game in standing for righteousness, but
hypocrisy is everywhere. And, as in professional wrestling, most spectators
watching the show know it’s fake, too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt;">Program Nausea.</span></strong><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt;"> Churches with Program Nausea try a program, toss it soon, and
then quickly try the next one. They never have a settled “organizational
stomach” and direction. Members of this kind of diseased church are so
accustomed to change that they seldom invest in any program. Why should they
invest in what will soon be spit out, too?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt;">Baby Believer Malady.</span></strong><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt;"> This congregation is doing evangelism well, but they
have no strategy to grow new believers. Their unwritten, and wrong, assumption
is, “As long as you show up for our small groups and worship service, you’ll grow.”
This church disciples poorly and often elevates leaders on the basis of
attendance rather than spiritual maturity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt;">Theological Self-Deception Ailment.</span></strong><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt;"> I am cautious here, lest I leave the
impression that theology does not matter. No church with an unbiblical theology
can be healthy. TSDA, on the other hand, is characterized by a belief that
teaching theology is <i>all</i> that is required to be a healthy church.
Teaching theology is critical, but a theology that does not lead to intentional
evangelism, disciplemaking, and global missions is not biblical. Indeed, TSDA
congregations tend to be classrooms more than New Testament churches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt;">“Unrecoverable Void” Syndrome. </span></strong><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt;">Church leaders and laypersons alike
suffer from this syndrome, characterized by statements like, “This church will
close its doors after I’m gone.” Symptoms include spiritual arrogance and
self-righteous anger, though they may also include hyper-spiritual speech
(“This is God’s church, and we’ll see what He does when I shake the dust off my
feet”). Church members with UVS fail to realize that God’s church will go on
without any of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt;">Talking in Your Sleep Disease.</span></strong><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt;"> You may recognize this church. They go
through the motions, but the motions lack energy. They meet for worship, yet
the singing is lifeless. Even the preaching is lackluster, as if the speaker is
monotonously only meeting his obligation. Here is one way to recognize the
church with TIYSD: many of the attenders really ARE sleeping!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt;">10. </span><strong><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Congregational Myopia.</span></strong><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> The congregation
with this condition is nearsighted, focusing on themselves only. They have no
vision for the future, and they fail to see that their current direction will
likely lead to further disease and decline. Ask the leaders what their hope is
for the church five years from now, and their description will sound strangely
like the church in its current state.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360399193072579290.post-9832619693276776112013-09-20T08:43:00.002-07:002013-09-20T08:50:16.529-07:00Book Review - “What They Won’t Tell You in Church: About Marriage"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxyRLlOTotdSc1tLMwoptjwx3PSnY3h25xotA4H175TzSUY-R0NeQ1XTfyLFlW-WKcastkUTIMiwIWuMVKhLVwiH-si_5Y2ETB5qR9SBV2WXtcRg4M7c2Z2MQ6CdKgK_EGCNNzyq0Vg/s1600/51BZSyhniuL__SY346_PJlook-inside-v2%252CTopRight%252C1%252C0_SH20_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxyRLlOTotdSc1tLMwoptjwx3PSnY3h25xotA4H175TzSUY-R0NeQ1XTfyLFlW-WKcastkUTIMiwIWuMVKhLVwiH-si_5Y2ETB5qR9SBV2WXtcRg4M7c2Z2MQ6CdKgK_EGCNNzyq0Vg/s320/51BZSyhniuL__SY346_PJlook-inside-v2%252CTopRight%252C1%252C0_SH20_.jpg" width="207" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A friend of mine, Craig Gleerup, has recently released his
second book about marriage, “What They Won’t Tell You in Church: About Marriage”.
It is available on Amazon, both in paperback and Kindle formats. I recently
spoke with Craig about his book, and picked up a copy at Crossroads Books, on the
Square in Springfield, Tennessee. If you live close, you should check them out-
they are a treasure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I wanted to let those that read my blog know that Craig’s
book is a must read for those that want an unvarnished view of what the Bible
actually says about marriage, versus what we Christians have been traditionally
taught and practiced. He delves into the traditions surrounding the typical church
wedding, their sources and how they differ from God’s actual plan, and manages
to do this with grace, love AND honesty. (Note: I shamelessly "borrowed" the image from Amazon- the "look inside" feature on this pic does not work.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Craig tackles contemporary issues, such as the Supreme Court’s
recent decision on DOMA, the government’s tax treatment or married couples,
including same sex couples. But more importantly, he deals with how WE as
Christians should enter into marriage, the differences between a covenant and a
vow, and how we as God’s people should leave law to the government and
traditions to, well, traditionalists. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The book includes a group study guide, for those brave
enough to bring it into a Sunday School or small group, and gives the reader
plenty of references to support Craig’s thesis. It’s a short book, and an easy
read, that I completed in a couple of sittings. But it will challenge you to
consider WHY you believe what you believe about marriage, and I believe that is
vital to being able to both support and defend the holy institution of
marriage. Give it a look! </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360399193072579290.post-25314291401273114032013-09-17T06:07:00.003-07:002013-09-17T06:07:56.508-07:00Tuesday's Top Ten Church Attendees<br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we come together as a body, we
have a lot of different kind of church “attendees”. Among them are some that help...some, not so much.</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We Get-<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">10. Church Shoppers- </span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">These are the folks looking for the best deals for them; sometimes they
are looking for a place to serve, but often, they are looking for a place to be
served.</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Everybody falls into this category at one time or another; the important part is your motivation.</span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">9. Church Hoppers- </span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">These are the folks that can’t stay still (Religious ADD) and often can’t get along with
themselves, much less others. (Note- if everybody is wrong but you, it’s time
to get a mirror and find the problem.) These are also the easiest sheep to "steal", as some churches entice members away from their current place of worship to join their fellowship. Problem is, given time, you may want to give them back.</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">8. Church Stoppers- </span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Stopping the flow of ministry and life- “It’s my way or no way.” Nothing like a strong dose of self-interest to cut the hot water off to a cold drip.</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">7. Church Whoppers- </span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">They have to be seen AND heard. They may know that Jesus is the Head, but
they want to be the HAT. Often, these come from families that may have started or may "run" the local church. The pride and attitude that exudes from them can be poison. </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">6. Church Droppers- </span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">They say, “I can be just as good a Christian at home as in church.” I say
they are lying AND they are sinning, because this scripture clearly commands us
to SHOW UP and HELP EACH OTHER. If you are cut OFF, you are spiritually dying. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>5. Church Coppers- </strong>These are the legalistic enforcers that want to make sure the men wear long pants and a tie and the women wear a skirt, just like the apostle Paul and all the sisters in the New Testament. (No neckties in the New Testament? Really?) I once heard of one of these sweet saints that would offer to bring her clippers and give a visitor a haircut if it was touching his collar- how's that for seeker friendly?!? They are more about style than substance, still clinging to the idea that your works or appearance will save you.</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>4. Church Poppers- </strong>These are the contrarians that love to "pop" every church's bubble by hanging in till the bitter end, and I do mean bitter. They are determined to get their way and watch the church die in the process. I've seen some of these folks that were so much trouble, it made me suspect they were "double agents" working for the enemy. </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fortunately, though, we also get these folks: </span></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">3. Church Moppers – </span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Humble servants that aren’t afraid to pick up a mop, a broom or a Sunday
School Teacher’s manual.</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">2. Church Proppers- </span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Folks that lift up the leaders, the sick, the weak, the discouraged with
prayer AND action.</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>1. Church Toppers-</strong> Brothers and sisters</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> that are willing to stand on the rooftop if need be, not to be seen,
but to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. We need all of those we can get!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360399193072579290.post-12446732799913766562013-09-16T19:36:00.001-07:002013-09-16T19:36:06.878-07:00Book Blogger gives The Last Great Adventure a 5 STAR review!!!Check out what the latest review says about my novel about Heaven, "The Last Great Adventure"!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://liveanddreamalittledream.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-last-great-adventure-by-phillip-d.html">http://liveanddreamalittledream.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-last-great-adventure-by-phillip-d.html</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360399193072579290.post-75466719225431890522013-09-12T06:39:00.000-07:002013-09-12T06:39:09.223-07:00Amazon Reviews for The Last Great Adventure!I wanted to take a moment this morning and share part of some of the reviews on Amazon for my novel, "The Last Great <span style="font-family: inherit;">Adventure</span>". Here's what some readers are saying:<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">“Whatever your beliefs are, this is a
heartwarming story of one father's belief that his son made it to heaven and
that he is having the time of his life and he is with the one person he was
destined to be with for eternity…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">“Phillip has written an uplifting and
inspirational novel that will certainly make you think about heaven and all of
it`s divine glory. Any parent who has lost a child would find this book
extremely difficult to write and to read. However, when one knows their loved
ones are in the presence of God Himself, it is a great comfort to know we will
see them again when our earthly missions are finished. Phillip used passion,
excitement and eloquence throughout the book. This is a must read book filled
with tragedy, joy and hope - you won`t be disappointed!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">“Even though we can only imagine what
Heaven is really like, Phillip has done an excellent job of giving of a slight
"foretaste of that glory divine" that we will experience personally
when we are called home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">“You may think about what heaven will be
like and wonder what your loved ones who have passed are doing every moment of
the day but in all actuality we cannot even begin to imagine such a majestic
place. In The Last Great Adventure, Phillip Wilson makes such amazing
connections to God's Word and expresses such vivid details that the story truly
moves you. The loss of two young extraordinary people, or anyone for that
matter, is unexplainably difficult and we all have been through it...but, after
reading this I have come to realize that we should not be sorrowful or grieve
for so long. We should rejoice in that FACT that when our loved ones pass and
enter the gates of Heaven, they do not feel sorrow or pain, they are where they
have strived to be after leaving "The Other Side", as it is called in
the book, and feel the greatest accomplishment they have ever felt. You will
laugh, you will cry and you will find yourself in deep thought about your
spiritual life while reading The Last Great Adventure.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">“Without a doubt this book will make you
think about not only your life and circumstances, but of all those around you.
Not only will you be ran through a gauntlet of emotion, but also a gauntlet of
self-reflection.
Without giving too much away about this book, you will be mesmerized and your
spirit will soar.
In my estimation, you will be appreciative of all those around you a little
more and look forward to the day you can set out on your own Last Great
Adventure.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">“Great book. Great story. Great promise.
Very fast read. Anyone who has had anyone that has "left" earlier
than we thought they should needs to get their hands on this book. Thank you
Phillip for sharing your heart with us!!!!”</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So if you are a fan, drop your own review into the mix on Amazon, or if you haven't gotten your copy, place an order today on Amazon or at <a href="http://www.phillipdwilson.com/">www.phillipdwilson.com</a>. Find out what God has in store for you in your own Last Great Adventure!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360399193072579290.post-14394321847165979722013-09-10T16:10:00.002-07:002013-09-10T16:10:43.315-07:00Tuesdays Top Seven Steps to Effective EvangelismTuesdays Top Seven Steps To Effective Evangelism (Acts 8:26-40) <br /><br />26: And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. <br />27: And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, <br />28: Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. <br />29: Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. <br />30: And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? <br />31: And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. <br />32: The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: <br />33: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. <br />34: And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? <br />35: Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. <br />36: And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? <br />37: And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. <br />38: And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. <br />39: And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. <br />40: But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea. <br /><br /><strong>Step 1 – Be Available</strong> (8:27) <br />When the Lord Says Go, it doesn’t matter what else is happening. <br /><br /><strong>Step 2 – Be Spirit Led</strong> (8:29) <br />The Spirit told him; not someone else, not his own flesh. <br /><br /><strong>Step 3 – Be Obedient</strong> (8:30) <br />When the Spirit moved, so did Philip. <br /><br /><strong>Step 4 – Look For an Open Door</strong> (8:30) <br />Philip didn’t come in with an agenda, he looked for an open opportunity. <br /><br /><strong>Step 5 – Reflecting the Kindness and Grace of Christ </strong>(8:31) <br />Philip waited for an invitation and listened before he spoke. <br /><br /><strong>Step 6 – Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ</strong> (8:35) <br />He didn’t invite him back to Samaria, give him a tract or talk about doctrine- He told him about Jesus. <br /><br /><strong>Step 7 – Follow Up and Close the Deal</strong> (8:37-38) <br />Everyone needs to believe in their heart and confess with their mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord. They have to “decide” to follow Jesus. Nothing puts the ball in their court like asking, “Do you want to be saved?” <br />
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Evangelism isn't just your pastor's or some ordained church leader's job- it's YOUR job.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360399193072579290.post-11618803421285862012013-09-04T06:15:00.000-07:002013-09-04T06:15:25.810-07:00Radio Interview on 95.9 FM, Thursday Morning, September 5th!Tomorrow at 7 A.M., I will be on WQKR 95.9 FM or 1270 AM as a guest of Jim Butler on Good Morning Portland. I will be discussing my novel about Heaven, "The Last Great Adventure", as well as ministry and anything else Jim may bring to the table. Tune in and give us a listen!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360399193072579290.post-62521831070943026432013-09-03T13:36:00.003-07:002013-09-03T13:36:40.154-07:00Tuesdays Top Ten Worries about what might happen when we have Guests
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were blessed to have a couple of families attend with us
for the first time this Sunday. As a result, I was somewhat nervous about the way
the service would flow, but it seemed to go fairly well. But it made me think;
what are the worries we have when we invite someone to church and they actually
show up? Thus, this Tuesday’s Top Ten worries about what might happen when we
have guests:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">10. A toddler escapes in mid-diaper change and runs naked
and screaming into the service. (Don’t laugh- it’s happened.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">9. Special singing will be “really special” due to the
interpretive dance routine semi-prepared by the Flower Children of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">8. This will be the Sunday that we have to take up three
special offerings for various needs, until the last plate is full of IOU’s, old
business cards and crumpled receipts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">7. The pastor has to “lay down the law” with a church correction
message that makes your loving flock sound like a group of unruly prison parolees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">6. The pastor has a sermon prepared with a sketch put on by
a group of reluctant teens that mumble their way through the message that’s,
well, sketchy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5. The pastor uses a video that doesn’t work for an awkwardly
LONG time, then tries to recover, just as they get it working.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4. The sound system squeals, groans and picks up
transmissions from Smokey and the Bandit out on I-65 North.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3. The Grim Weeper, the Storyteller and the Rambler all have
to “share” a word or a few hundred words with the congregation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2. This is the day the missionary from Uganda is doing the
slide show.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1. Bro. Elmer and Sister Hattie point out that the guests
are sitting in “their” seat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don’t be surprised if this spurs the Top Ten Apologies….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360399193072579290.post-28118326338700329202013-08-29T12:50:00.000-07:002013-08-29T12:50:28.555-07:00Commitment to the Cross<em>Mark:8:34: And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. </em><br />Jesus is looking for those that can deny themselves, pick up the cross and follow Him. We should:<br /><br />Deny Ourselves – That’s means that the “bless me” brand of Christianity is out of touch with God’s expectations. It is about HIM not US. Our prayers about us, our songs about us, our selfish way of asking for what we want is not what Jesus is looking for. <br /><br />Pick Up The CROSS – Bear it, wear it, live your life through it. Understand the price of it, glory in the persecution that comes with it, The way of the CROSS leads home…and every other way gets us lost and Hell bound. <br /><br />Follow Jesus – Follow the example of His life, the teaching of His words, the direction of His Holy Spirit in your life. Literally become His disciple, His servant, a member of His Body, a subject of His Kingdom. He is more than a bracelet, a t-shirt, or a chrome fish on your car. He is GOD and He requires nothing less than TOTAL commitment. <br /><br />Jesus wants Commitment, but some are on the outs:<br /><br />Cop Outs – do not commit. <br />Hold Outs – are afraid to commit. <br />Drop Outs – commit, then quit. <br />
<br />
Jesus needs All Outs – Set their sights, make the commitment, and pay the price to reach their goal. <br /><br /><em>Mark 8:35 : For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. <br /><br />2Timothy:4:7-8: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. </em><br />ARE YOU COMMITED? Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360399193072579290.post-12067869296597195302013-08-27T11:43:00.003-07:002013-08-27T11:43:51.814-07:00Tuesday's Top Ten Things to do with your Labor Day!
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ever wonder about Labor Day? Ever try to make plans? Ever
want to do something besides sit inside and watch the Jerry Lewis Labor Day
Telethon? Here’s a few ideas:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">10. Find out who is in labor, why it is taking all weekend,
and tell her to PUSH.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">9. Google Labor Day, find out why we have it, and celebrate
the fact that it is a working person’s holiday to celebrate the efforts of
American labor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">8. Point out to your spouse that the “honey-do” list you
have been given is sacrilegious, making her hard-working spouse work on a day
pretty much dreamed up to give us an extra day off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">7. Go ahead and finish the list anyway, because your spouse
is quick to remind you that she never gets a day off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">6. Make the pilgrimage to Ace, Lowes, or Home Depot. Body
armor and a reinforced credit card are recommended.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5. Hit the beach, the mountains, the amusement park or your
preferred vacation destination, cause now’s the time when it’s really not that
crowded. Not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4. Add enough chlorine to the pool to cancel out the family,
friends and semi-potty trained kids that will visit for one last summer dip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3. Break out the grill, the ice cream freezer and untangle
the dry rotted volleyball net in the garage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2. Winterize your white belt and shoes for next year. You
probably want to stow the seersucker too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1. Ponder the fact that Christmas is less than four months
away…and 2014 comes a week after.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360399193072579290.post-39932087343860421802013-08-21T05:36:00.000-07:002013-08-21T05:36:08.159-07:00W.T.L."Are you a minister?" he asked. I was sitting in the Arcade downtown at lunch, taking refuge from a sudden cloud burst, eating a container of fried rice from one the local Chinese places. I was dressed like ten thousand other office ants, so I don't know why he picked me out of a crowd- I left my Bible at the house and my halo...well if I ever had one, I left it somewhere a long time ago. "Yes, I am," I answered, "Pull up a chair and have a seat."<br />
<br />
He was a newspaper vendor, selling one of those papers designed to allow folks to ask for help without running afoul of the Nashville panhandling law. He was African American, maybe sixty, and he looked tired, but happy. "Well, Praise God!" he said. "My name is William Thomas Liddell. W.T.L. - You know what that stands for?" I said I did not. "The Way, the Truth and the Life," he said with a smile.<br />
<br />
I asked him how he was doing and he began to tell me about his wife, that was suffering from headaches that could be neurological, could be vascular related- hard to tell. She was supposed to get some tests run this next week. He told me about his rent- $47.50 a day. Obviously, they were living in a hotel somewhere in the area. <br />
<br />
I told him I couldn't solve all his problems, but I would buy a paper and handed him a rolled up five spot. Then I asked him if I could pray with him and took his hand and prayed for him, his success, his wife's healing, and rest for his tired feet. He looked me in the eye and said, "I love you, Rev," to which I replied sincerely, "I love you too." <br />
<br />
I thought a lot about William last night and this morning. Maybe I'll see him again on the street; maybe not- you never know. But I hope to see him in Heaven one day, where there are no headaches, no money troubles, no worries.<br />
<br />
I wrote this today because I want to ask you to take a moment and pray for William and his wife. Pray for their safety, provision and healing. Pray for a man that knows a brother when he sees one...pray for someone that takes his own name and finds Jesus there. W.T.L.- The Way, The Truth, The Life. <br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360399193072579290.post-87683036166900993302013-08-19T05:54:00.002-07:002013-08-19T05:54:37.124-07:00Just Like Daddy
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Genesis 1:26-28 says that God created us to be in His image. Just like a little child that wants to the wear the clothes of their parents, imitate their walk, their talk and their work, we
are supposed to take after Him...and we do. God has given mankind characteristics that reflect His nature. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We
are creators.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The creative gift of God and desire to
create is bestowed upon us. We reflect it with technology, skilled trades and art. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That's just like Him- God created everything around us to
frame His masterpiece- you.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We
are restorers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have an eye to see the ability to
restore, repair, repurpose- it’s that desire to give something a second chance.
God is a second chance God, repairing and restoring broken hearts, homes,
lives.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We
are social.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We long for fellowship, companionship,
interaction. God longed for that so much that we were the result of that
longing. He walked with Adam in the garden, He spoke with Moses on the mountain, and He came in the flesh as Christ so that if we trust in Him, we might have the ability to walk with God for eternity.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We
take authority.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Physically, we force our will on the
earth and shape it to our will. We force the dark into corners, the heat and
cool outside, roads into mountains, rivers into lakes. God’s ultimate will be always be accomplished- all of
creation is under His control.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So go out and be like your Father today. Do it for His glory...and never forget that you were made in His image.</span></span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360399193072579290.post-65357287009690308702013-08-16T06:15:00.003-07:002013-08-16T06:15:47.126-07:00Green Pastures and Still WatersGreen Pastures and Still Waters (Psalm 23:2) <br /><br />The Shepherd wants to be more than our protector and provider- He wants to be our LORD. <br />He wants to make us do something. He’s not asking or suggesting- He’s MAKING us lie down. When we live our lives without submission unto God, we miss out on His blessing, protection and plan. <br /><br />We need to lay down where Jesus wants us, not where we want to go. <br />Too many of us spend all our time tearing down fences, eating up somebody else’s grass, getting scratched in the barb wire, picking up weed seed when we eat and bring it back home when we void in our own pasture. That's how false doctrine and carnal living enter the church. <br /><br />He makes us lay down so we have time to digest the Nutrition of God. <br />When livestock eat in green pastures and never lay down, they "founder" or "bloat", a condition caused when the animal doesn't take the time to let the food they've eaten digest and it just sits like a rock in the stomach and fills the gut with gas. Sometimes we feast on the presence of God, but never let it digest and give us the growth and strength we need. God doesn’t want us to founder or bloat- there are too many Christians full of hot air as it is. <br /><br />Still Waters run Deep - A lot of Christians and a lot of churches are a mile wide and an inch deep. God is tired of shallow lives, hearts, relationships and churches. We need some depth in our walk with Christ. <br /><br />Some of us are afraid of the “Still” part. <br />We do not like silence, we do not like the soul searching presence of God when it gets still. We can’t stand our own company and we’re afraid of His. <br /><br />Some of us are afraid of the “Deep” part. <br />We are so afraid that we might get in over our head, lose our life, and lose our control. But for us to get what God has for us, we need to do both. We need to die to self as we submerge ourselves in His presence. <br /><br />Will you lay down when He makes you…will you wade in where He leads you? Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360399193072579290.post-6649134455657716732013-08-12T12:40:00.001-07:002013-08-13T05:53:04.776-07:00Tuesday's Top Ten: Ways to make someone feel UNWELCOME at church
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There has been much written about how to make guests feel
welcome at church, but I thought it would be both fun AND thought provoking
this week to look at the top ten ways to make someone feel UNWELCOME and
UNWANTED. Here’s a few things that you may have seen:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">10. Making guests stand up and tell us their name- there is
nothing more fearful than calling attention to yourself in front of a group of
rank strangers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">9. Publicly encouraging guests to come on down and sit on
the front row. It gives you that “I’m in trouble with the teacher” vibe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">8. Telling someone they are sitting in YOUR seat; OR not
addressing them personally, but saying that they took YOUR seat to someone else
within earshot of the said guest. After all, you PAY YOUR TITHES and your great
Uncle Leroy paid for that pew. (His name is even on a little brass plate to
prove it.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">7. Reserved parking for the pastor, staff, etc. just outside
the front door, without any reserved parking for guests. Because there aren’t
enough people that already feel like church leaders are high and mighty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">6. Announcements full of inside jokes and references that
guests won’t get. (It’s just like missing the first half hour of a movie and
spending the rest of the time trying to understand what’s happening.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5. Insistence on the wearing of visitor name tags- because
branding irons are a little too uncomfortable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4. No one greets, smiles or acknowledges the guests. We
wouldn’t want them to think we are glad they are there would we?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3. Airing disagreements or personality conflicts loudly and
publicly. Nothing makes someone feel at home like a good old fashioned church
fight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2. Call attention to what they are wearing (positively or
negatively). Every church has a culture that is the norm- for some it’s ties,
for others it’s tattoos. If your guest is out of the loop, by all means, point
it out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1. Make sure you let them know you don’t like change and
that you want the church to stay small. They will get the hint and stay away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Obviously, we wouldn’t want to make someone feel unwelcome…
or would we? Sometimes I wonder, because I have seen every one of these take
place. It’s time to think about the message we are sending guests- because you
only get one chance to make a FIRST impression. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360399193072579290.post-46347819267339368972013-08-08T12:25:00.001-07:002013-08-08T12:25:37.599-07:00Unfinished BusinessOn a busy "Friday Eve", sometimes it's easy to lose focus, misplace priorities. This afternoon, I thought I'd share a poem with you I wrote sometime back. I call it...Unfinished Business.<br />
<br />
UNFINISHED BUSINESS<br />
<br />
The work at hand is never done;<br />
It beckons more to do.<br />
The projects pile,<br />
And ideas run,<br />
Until the day is though.<br />
<br />
Our business here keeps us awake;<br />
For more we volunteer,<br />
Until the hours have turned to days,<br />
And days turned into years.<br />
<br />
One day the clock will sound no more,<br />
Our ears will not awake;<br />
Our eyes will gaze upon a throne,<br />
Upon a crystal lake.<br />
<br />
The Master there will call our name,<br />
An appointment we will keep;<br />
No excuse, no sick day,<br />
No time to oversleep.<br />
<br />
And on that day, when we stand,<br />
For judgment then to be;<br />
The Master’s voice will ask our soul,<br />
“What have you done for Me?”<br />
<br />
Our follies then will be laid bare,<br />
The worthless time we’ve spent;<br />
In work that seemed important once,<br />
But now not worth a cent.<br />
<br />
We may dredge up some charity,<br />
Some ministry to claim;<br />
But the greatest work, for which He looks,<br />
Was when we called His name.<br />
<br />
For if we never own His death,<br />
His mercy and His grace;<br />
Then our work is all for naught,<br />
And He will turn His face.<br />
<br />
So the most important business task,<br />
That you can do today;<br />
Is bow your knee, bare your heart,<br />
Open up and pray.<br />
<br />
Ask the Lord into your heart,<br />
To wash away your sin;<br />
Let Him work, let Him speak,<br />
And let Him dwell within.<br />
<br />
For the time, it swiftly goes,<br />
Our strength and life diminished;<br />
Until one day, your work on earth,<br />
Will be completely finished.<br />
<br />
When that day comes, the worries of<br />
Your heart will fall away;<br />
Unfinished work? It matters not,<br />
If Christ has come to stay.<br />
<br />
<br />
Have a great afternoon...and keep the main thing the main thing.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360399193072579290.post-2969968648560754242013-08-06T18:15:00.000-07:002013-08-06T18:15:17.607-07:00Book Signing at White House Public Library - Monday, August 12!!!There will be a Book Signing at White House Public Library on August 12, 2013, at 5 PM. Come by and pick up a copy of "The Last Great Adventure", or get your copy signed by the author. This story features hometown girl Kelsie Trobaugh, with her boyfriend Noah, as they pass from this life into the adventure of Heaven. Come by and share your stories of Kelsie!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360399193072579290.post-41236503509083763702013-08-06T05:38:00.000-07:002013-08-06T05:38:30.892-07:00Tuesdays Top Ten: Things to do with your time since the kids went back to school!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>The kids are back in school...you've wrung the tears out of your hanky after watching the little darlings head off to the bus stop and posted their picture on Facebook with their school clothes on and lunch boxes in hand. But now you have all this time on your hands. What to do? Here's a few ideas...</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">10. Figure out how to put a parental block on the remote for
Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, M-TV, and the Disney Channel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">9. Get the peanut butter and chewing gun out of the family
pet’s hair. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">8. Bone up on your math skills…homework is coming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">7. Save up for purchase of magazines, candy bars, discount
cards, candles, and other assorted fund raiser items that you will be expected
to sell and/or purchase.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">6. Use those bath beads you got for Christmas in 2003.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5. Re-acquaint yourself with adults and adult conversation.
Start slow…don’t strain your vocal cords. Remember to use your “inside” voice,
instead of your “come back here so I can knock the taste out of your mouth”
voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4. Plan a daytime menu that does not consist of popsicles,
peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and Chef Boyardee. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3. Call your child’s teacher and make sure the kids are
actually going to school and that the teacher actually exists.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2. Burn this year’s summer clothes that fit so they don’t
make a comeback next year as a perennial favorite that is way too tight and way
too short.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1. Take a much deserved nap…they will be home around 3:30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360399193072579290.post-41989944499893711642013-08-02T12:49:00.001-07:002013-08-02T12:49:35.865-07:00School, Temptation and Synergy
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday night at our church, someone asked for prayer for
the kids as they go back to school. They didn’t ask for wisdom to do their
school work; they didn’t ask for protection from being hit by a school bus or
an errant dodge ball. They asked for protection from temptation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I thought that was a good prayer request, because the
synergy of a group’s proclivities and strengths include the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">synergy to sin</i>. (Pastors, feel free to steal that nifty little
nugget for a sermon title.) The temptation of each individual feeds off the temptation
of another, to make the compounded temptation greater than the sum of its
parts. This is especially true of a group of people with a lack of spiritual,
emotional and mental maturity; people like school kids. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This reminded me of another group of people that got into
trouble because they got together. Nimrod and his little kingdom in Genesis 11
got the bright idea that they could build a tower all the way to Heaven.
Whether they planned to take over or just move in, the motive was simple; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bypass God to get to Heaven.</i> It was here
that the synergy of their sin got the attention of God himself when He said, “Behold,
the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do:
and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.”
(Verse 6) So, God upset the apple cart by confounding their language so they
could not communicate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So pray for our kids as they go back to school. Pray that
they don’t act like a bunch of “Nimrods” and try to live life without Jesus.
Pray that you don't do the same in the groups you attend, like work, or family, or even church. Because life is confusing enough as it is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360399193072579290.post-33461369676873888282013-07-30T05:19:00.002-07:002013-07-30T05:19:49.901-07:00Tuesday's Top Ten - Back To School Lists!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Top Ten Items that should be on the Back to School List<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s that time of year, when the kiddos are getting ready to
go back to school and teachers are asking for crazy things and crazy amounts of
things for the school year. Parents are scrambling for the brand and type of glue
sticks, crayons and folders teachers ask for, as well as the money to pay for
it all. So I thought it would be kind of fun to think about the things that
SHOULD be on the list. So here are my top ten:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">10. Library Paste.</b>
When did that go by the wayside? There has been a lot of talk about hungry kids
and poor nutrition in school lunches. The real reason? They don’t have library
paste to eat anymore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">9. Fat Pencils.</b>
When’s the last time you saw a fat pencil? Do they still make them? Have they
quit using them because they send the wrong message that it’s acceptable to be
fat? Are they just calling them “gravity challenged” pencils now?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8. A compass.</b>
Kids can’t carry a plastic knife to divide a sandwich in their lunchbox
anymore, but I remember when we had these metal things with a point that you
could have shanked a convict with. Where’s our sense of adventure?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7. Book Satchels. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>There was a time when our children carried
a small bag with a handle, instead of a backpack worthy of a sherpa on an
Everest expedition. Mark my words, if we don’t take the load off, we are gonna
see a ton of kids with spine problems before they are 30.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">6. Lunch Boxes. </b>I’m
talking about the cool metal ones, with a cartoon or movie character on the
outside and a matching thermos on the inside. It’s not just for lunch- it’s an
investment. Have you seen what a vintage lunch box brings at the antique mall?
It beats the return on a savings bond!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">5. Snacks for Recess.
</b>Do they even have recess anymore? If so, do they have snacks? I can’t
figure out why they complain because kids don’t exercise, then take away the
chance to play, and complain because kids are hungry and then take away the
chance to grab a mid-morning snack while they are playing. Make up your mind….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4. Milk Cartons. </b>The
last time I looked, kids were getting their milk in a kind of clear plastic
i.v. bag with a straw. We had real, honest to goodness milk cartons. The
advantage was that they became instant craft supplies- a little tempra paint,
some glue and a few scraps of felt and those lowly milk cartons became Easter
baskets (when they still celebrated Easter), valentine mailboxes and buildings
for small milk carton cities!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3. Pipe Cleaners. </b>I
think they still use these, but call them something else, because nobody’s dad
sits around smoking a pipe and reading the paper anymore. But these things were
awesome for making animals, bracelets, and handles for the afore mentioned milk
carton Easter baskets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2. A Recorder or a
Flutophone. </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are basically the
same little plastic instrument that could be bought for a couple of bucks, but
I personally preferred the Flutophone, because the bell on the end made it look
legit. Add to that a real elementary music program with somebody that will
teach the kids to enjoy music. Oh Fran Powell, where are you when we need you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1. Prayer. </b>If we
ever needed it before, we surely need it now. How does the same Supreme Court
look at the same Constitution and interpret so differently over the course of a
few decades that they have eliminated prayer, religion, and a fair amount of
free speech from our children’s schools? By simply reading it the way they <strong><em>want</em></strong>
to read it. Teach your kids that they answer to a higher court. Teach them to
pray, no matter what, by starting at home…because that’s where the real
learning happens. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360399193072579290.post-79999823283400828822013-07-24T06:28:00.001-07:002013-07-24T06:28:35.910-07:00The Words of a FoolProv:15:2: The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. <br />Prov:18:7: A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. <br /><br />For a generation that lives in the information age, we are some of the most ignorant, apathetic, arrogant, down right foolish people that have ever lived. (How's that for an encouraging word?) For us to find the wisdom of God for us, it may help to look at what He considers foolish words: <br /><br /><strong>There is No God. </strong><br />Ps:53:1: The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. <br />Watching men try to explain their own creator away has to be the most foolish thing I’ve ever seen. Who cares about the dinosaurs? I'm not accountable to them or for them. I need to know what to do about Jesus. <br /><br /><strong>Words of Blasphemy Against God. </strong><br />Ps:74:18: Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name. <br />
Have you ever said something bad about someone and turned around to find them standing there? God is ALWAYS standing there. <br /><br /><strong>“I know more about what’s right than God does.” </strong><br />Rom:1:21: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. <br />Rom:1:22: Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. <br />
The people that Paul describes as fools not only commit idolatry, homosexuality, fornication, wickedness, murder, deceit, whisperings, backbiting, hating God, pride, disobedience, etc. etc.- but they embrace these things as socially and morally acceptable, WITHOUT SIN. <br />Does he describe the world in which we live? YES. <br /><br /><strong>“I’ve got plenty of time.” </strong><br />Jesus tells of a rich man that has such a great harvest that he tears down his barns to build bigger ones; he brings in the harvest, kicks back and reflects on his accomplishments. <br />Luke 12:19: And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. <br />20: But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? <br />One of the most foolish thing we can say is, I can take it easy, I’ve got it made, I’m going to enjoy life…I’ve got plenty of time. <br /><br />Satan will never ask you to say no, if he can get you to say…wait. <br /><br />Don't be foolish. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360399193072579290.post-87096277472047852472013-07-23T05:31:00.000-07:002013-07-23T05:31:58.761-07:00Tuesday's Top Ten - VBS Memories<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last week, I didn’t get a chance to do a top ten because I
was fighting for my life. Ok, maybe not, but it seemed like it; I was engaged
in the battle royale that is Vacation Bible School, or VBS. VBS is a tiring but
exhilarating experience that goes from being elated to exhausted and back
again. That said, it seems like so much more of a production than it used to
be, with big themes, slick videos and techie apps for your three- year- old’s
iPad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Like any curmudgeon worth his grumbling, I long for the days
when times were simpler. Thus, this week, I have compiled the Top Ten VBS
memories:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">10. Crafts that consisted of burnt matches, popsicle sticks,
Elmer’s glue, or my favorite, a plaster cast of your hand, molded in an
aluminum pie pan with a paper clip inserted for a hanger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">9. Marching in formation to “Onward Christian Soldiers”.
(Probably too militant for the sensitive weenies, er, I mean, church members of
today.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">8. Pledge to the American flag, the Christian flag and the
Bible- we did it this year, and as long as I have a say, we always will.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">7. Off-brand sandwich cookies, with vanilla on one side,
chocolate on the other, and a paper thin layer of crème filling in the middle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">6. Orange Kool-aid made by the five gallon bucket, with just
barely enough sugar to keep your lips from completely inverting on themselves in
a permanent pucker.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5. No church van- just an old school bus re-painted Sears
Weather Beater White with a brush.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4. If your church was too small for a bus, a ride in the
back of the family pickup with five other kids.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3. Summer sleep overs to invite the friends you brought to
VBS over for the night…maybe the week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2. Those nifty VBS posters that featured a red, yellow,
black and white child, just to show the love, even though you probably only had
two out of four of those colors in your town. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1. Lessons that weren’t about carnivals, jungles or old west
roundups- the Bible was exciting enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01309586628920956205noreply@blogger.com0