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"He who pursues righteousness
and love finds life, prosperity, and honor." Proverbs 21:21 (NIV)
CONSIDER
"As the only person to come
from eternity to earth, then return to eternity,
Jesus knows the whole truth -- past, present and future -- and can give
you a one-of-a-kind perspective."
Bruce Wilkerson
SCHEDULE, INTERRUPTED
by Mark Buchanan
"Teach us to number our days
aright," Moses asked God, "that we may gain a heart of
wisdom" (Ps. 90:12). There is
a right way to tally up days.
There's an arithmetic of timekeeping, and
God must tutor us in it. Wisdom is
not the condition for learning this arithmetic. It's the fruit of it. Wisdom comes from learning to number
our days aright. You don't need to
be wise to sign up for God's school.
But if you're diligent, attentive, and inquisitive in his classes,
you'll emerge that way.
It's easy to get this wrong. God's school is not like most. It's not regimented, age-adjusted,
fixed in its curricula. The
classroom is life itself; the curriculum, all of life's demands and
interruptions and tedium, its surprises and disappointments. In the midst of this, through these
things themselves, God hands us an abacus and tells us to tally it all
up.
Meaning? Meaning, work out where time and
eternity meet. Pay attention to
how God is afoot in the mystery of each moment, in its mad rush or
maddening plod. He is present in
both. But too often, we are so
time-obsessed that we take no time to really notice. I have a pastor friend in Toronto
who one day after a Sunday service received a note: "Pastor Peter, I
would appreciate it if you prayed shorter prayers. Your pastoral prayer
this past Sunday was 12 minutes, 43 seconds in length. Please strive for
greater brevity."...
Read this in full at
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/002/29.43.html
THE SOUNDS OF FAITH
Krista Tippett talks about her
"Speaking of Faith" radio program, which explores a wide range
of subjects related to belief, doubt and meaning. It's struck a strong chord among
listeners. Read this article at
http://www.startribune.com/614/story/224774.html
Listen to her program at
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/
RECENT NPR STORIES OF INTEREST TO MEN
* TESTING OUT THE FIVE-BLADE RAZOR
NPR's Steve Inskeep tries out the
new Fusion Razor by Gillette, which boasts five blades. To test it, he shaved one-half of his
face with the Fusion and one-half with the four-blade Quattro, put out by
Gillette's competitor, Schick.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5197764
* STUDY CASTS DOUBT ON SAW PALMETTO
AS PROSTATE REMEDY
A new study in The New England
Journal of Medicine indicates "saw palmetto" does not work to
shrink enlarged prostates. At
least 2 million men take the supplements, often on the advice of
doctors. Smaller studies have
shown that saw palmetto does work, but this is the largest study to date.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5198053
* PHILATELISTS REJOICE OVER
RECOVERED ENVELOPE
Robert Siegel talks with Charles
Snee, senior editor at Linn's Stamp News, about the recently rediscovered
"Ice House" envelope, believed to be lost for 38 years and
recently rediscovered in Chicago. It has the only known cover of an 1869
Abraham Lincoln 90-cent stamp.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5199200
* SCIENTISTS ILLUMINATE THE NATURE
OF DARK MATTER
More than 20 years ago, scientists
discovered that most of the matter in the universe isn't made up of
ordinary atoms but rather invisible material dubbed Dark Matter. New observations of nearby galaxies
suggest that Dark Matter only comes in enormous clumps of particles that
race through space faster than fighter jets.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5198071
Could "Dark Matter" be
another name for the hand of Christ?
"[Christ] is before all things,
and in him all things hold together." Colossians 1:17
"The Son is the radiance of
God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all
things by his powerful word." Hebrews 1:3
IS SECULARISM INEVITABLE
by Dr. Benjamin Wiker
"Must secularism increase and
Christianity and other traditional faiths decrease? The answer to that question will depend
in part upon what we think secularism is.
In its original sense, the term "secular" refers to the
natural realm, the world, as distinct from the supernatural realm. It simply marks the difference between
the temporal and eternal. In that
sense, the secular realm is not set against the eternal, but merely
distinguished from it.
But the term "secular" has
taken on a different sense, one captured by the suffix
"-ism." Secularism
denotes a dedication to the world as opposed to the supernatural, and
proclaims a kind of declaration of war against traditional religion. It
turns a proper distinction into a furious antagonism."... Read this in full at
http://www.tothesource.org/2_7_2006/2_7_2006.htm
A MINISTRY AS GOD'S STEWARDS
by Ronald J. Sider
"There is a widespread
stereotype that evangelical political engagement is focused almost
exclusively on two issues: abortion and family. Indeed, there are voices
on the religious right who do advocate that narrow agenda. But the majority of evangelical leaders
have a wider mission.
These evangelicals agree with the
document "For the Health of the Nation: An Evangelical Call to Civic
Responsibility," published in 2004 by the National Association of
Evangelicals, which represents about 30 million evangelical Christians. This document insists that faithful
evangelical civic engagement must have a "biblically balanced
agenda." What does that
mean? Since the Bible says God
cares about the sanctity of human life and the poor, about the family,
peacemaking and care of his creation, so must evangelicals.
That's why more than 85 evangelical
leaders from across the country issued a call to action on climate
change. Their declaration makes four points".....
Read this in full at
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/editorial/13834618.htm
ON ACTIVE CARING
"One day you are going to be
judged by how you treated other people.
You may not be able to change the world, but you can change the
world for somebody." Rick
Warren
ON THE CARTOON PROTESTS
"The work of Muhammad is based
on being honored and the work of Christ is based on being insulted. This
produces two very different reactions to mockery. If Christ had not been insulted, there
would be no salvation. This was his
saving work: to be insulted and die to rescue sinners from the wrath of
God." John Piper,
desiringgod.org
LEADERSHIP TIPS (BUSINESS, FAMILY, LIFE)
Conducting Effective Business
Meetings
1. Have an Agenda
2. Follow the Agenda
3. Limit the Agenda to Three Points
or Less
4. Set a Time Limit
5. Encourage Participation from
Everyone, but Don't Force Them
http://www.leadersinstitute.com/teambuilding/articles/efficientmeetings.html
FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE EROTIC SONG OF SONGS
While some church leaders publicly
quote the 8-chapter book Song of Songs -- tucked between Ecclesiastes and
Isaiah -- most usually don't read the poem out loud, in part because it
makes believers blush. Some
biblical scholars interpret the book as a tale of the courtship and
marriage of King Solomon and his beloved, while others view it as a
fantasy about love between a man and a woman.... Read this in full at
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/10/AR2006021001870.html
NATIONAL
CYBER ALERT
Microsoft has released updates that
address critical vulnerabilities in Windows, Windows Media Player, and
Internet Explorer.
Microsoft has provided updates to
remedy these vulnerabilities. To
obtain the updates, visit the Microsoft Update website.
https://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate
Also see
http://www.us-cert.gov/
VERSE TO PONDER
"By no means do I count myself
an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is
beckoning us onward -- to Jesus.
I'm off and running, and I'm not turning
back." Philippians 3:13-14
(Msg)
CONSIDER
"His words are the essence of
truth...Jesus never uttered opinions.
He never guessed; He knew, and He knows." A. W. Tozer
REPORT REVEALS IMBALANCE IN GLOBAL NEWS COVERAGE
The global media study "Who
Makes the News?" is the analysis of almost 13,000 news items from
one day in 76 countries around the world.
The Global Media Monitoring Project reveals the trend of imbalance
in who makes the news -- and who doesn't -- in the areas of news content,
news subjects, and who reports on these stories around the world. Inequality in the newsroom and
imbalance in international news coverage of women and men are just two of
the findings of the report. A
surprising finding in the area of media bias and stereotyping is that
news media create often unintentional distortions that impact their
credibility, creating more of a "circus mirror" than a "mirror
on the world".... Read this
in full at
http://www.whomakesthenews.org/
TRUST AND OBEY
"All God's revelations are
sealed to us until they are opened to us by obedience. You will never get
them open by philosophy or thinking.
Immediately you obey, a flash of light comes. Let God's truth work
in you by soaking in it, not by worrying into it. Obey God in the thing He is at present
showing you, and instantly the next thing is opened up. We read tomes on the work of the Holy
Spirit when... five minutes of drastic obedience would make things clear
as a sunbeam. We say, "I
suppose I shall understand these things some day." You can understand them now: it is not
study that does it, but obedience.
The tiniest fragment of obedience, and
heaven opens up and the profoundest truths of God are yours straight
away. God will never reveal more
truth about Himself till you obey what you know already. Beware of being wise and prudent." Oswald Chambers (1874-1917)
WINTER CLASSES FOR MEN
Class 1
How To Fill Up The Ice Cube Trays --
Step by Step, with Slide Presentation.
Class 2
The Toilet Paper Roll --- Does It
Change Itself?
Round Table Discussion.
Class 3
Fundamental Differences Between The
Laundry Hamper and The Floor -- Pictures and Explanatory Graphics.
Class 4
After Dinner Dishes -- Can They
Levitate and Fly Into The Kitchen Sink?
Examples on Video.
Class 5
Loss Of Identity -- Losing The
Remote To Your Significant Other.
Help Line Support and Support
Groups.
Class 6
Learning How To Find Things --
Starting With Looking In The Right Places And Not Turning The House
Upside Down While Screaming.
Open Forum .
Class 7
Health Watch -- Bringing Her Flowers
Is Not Harmful To Your Health.
Graphics and Audio Tapes.
Class 8
Real Men Ask For Directions When
Lost -- Real Life Testimonials.
Class 9
Is It Genetically Impossible To Sit
Quietly While She Parallel Parks?
Driving Simulations.
Class 10
Learning to Live -- Basic
Differences Between Mother and Wife.
Online Classes and role-playing .
Class 11
How to be the Ideal Shopping
Companion
Relaxation Exercises, Meditation,
and Breathing Techniques.
Class 12
How to Fight Cerebral Atrophy --
Remembering Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Other Important Dates and
Calling When You're Going To Be Late.
Cerebral Shock Therapy Sessions and
Full Lobotomies Offered.
Class 13
The Stove/Oven --- What It Is and
How It Is Used.
Live Demonstration.
Upon completion of any of the above
courses, diplomas will be issued to the survivors.
CONSIDER
"Anyone can count the seeds in
an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a
seed." Robert Schuller
VERSE TO PONDER
"If I speak in the tongues of
men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a
clanging cymbal. If I have the
gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I
have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am
nothing. If I give all I possess
to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I
gain nothing." 1 Corinthians
13:1-3 (NIV)
THIS WEEK'S HYMN: O BLESSÈD SON OF GOD
Words: Harry L. Crain
Music: Lowell
Mason and George J. Webb, 1850)
O blessèd
Son of God,
In love and faith we plead,
That Thou wouldst bind our minds and
hearts
In Brotherhood of need.
Our Elder Brother Thou,
Whose heritage we share,
Our kindred lives we offer Thee,
In Brotherhood of prayer.
Thou didst the will of Him
Who sent Thee from above;
Thou sendest
us, as He sent Thee,
In Brotherhood of love.
To serve Thy kingdom, Lord,
To quiet sin's turmoil,
Do Thou ordain and consecrate
Our Brotherhood of toil.
Thou Man of Galilee,
O wilt Thou live again,
Abide within, control, inspire,
Our Brotherhood of men.
>from CyberHymnal at
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/b/s/obsongod.htm
GOD FAQ
Question 60: Can they who have never
heard the gospel, and so know not Jesus Christ, nor believe in him, be
saved by their living according to the light of nature?
Answer: They who, having never heard
the gospel, know not Jesus Christ, and believe not in him, cannot be
saved, be they never so diligent to frame their lives according to the
light of nature, or the laws of that religion which they profess; neither
is there salvation in any other, but in Christ alone, who is the Savior
only of his body the church.
http://www.shortercatechism.com/
ON PRAYER
"It is not faith in the amount
of praying we do, faith in our ability to pray
long, beautiful, and scripturally accurate prayers, or even faith in the
prayers themselves. It is faith in God -- faith in who He is and faith
that He rewards His children who seek Him in prayer. [We] can pray, 'Father, my faith has
turned into unshakable confidence in You -- because of who You
are.'" Evelyn Christensen
PRAY FOR PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS TODAY
http://christiansincrisis.net/
PRAY FOR A COUNTRY TODAY
http://www.gmi.org/ow/index.html
DAILY BLESSING PACT
Use the following list as your daily prayer guide. Think of
a brother or situation that applies and lift them up in prayer.
I am agreeing in prayer with you for God’s blessings to
overtake you!
PERSONAL
Marital harmony
Family unity
Children saved
Faithful pastor
Spirit-filled church
Real friendships
Relatives redeemed
Educational benefits
Recreational time
Fulfilling career
Favor with God and man
Be in God’s will
FINANCIAL
Better Jobs
Raises or bonuses
Benefits
Sales & commissions
Settlements
Estates & inheritances
Investment increase
Rebates & returns
Checks in the mail
Gifts & surprises
Money to be found
Bills decrease while blessings increase
"And all these blessings shall come on thee, and
overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy
God" (Deut. 28:2).
[As you travel on business or
vacation, let me know if you'd like the church guys to pray for your safety
and spiritual effectiveness. I'll
add your name to the list for the time you'll be away.]
CLASSIFIEDS
Are you looking for something or do
you have something to sell? Let me
know and I'll put it in this newsletter.
Looking for a good
book? A new Bible? How about some inspiring music? We’ve got what you
need. Visit our online
Christian bookstore to get the best prices around. Log on today and you’ll
find a huge inventory, totally convenient shopping and great prices on
the products you’re looking for. Are you using the power of books to grow
in your relationship with God and lead people to Christ? Books really do
change lives. Take this opportunity to bless your congregation so they
can go and bless others. Visit our bookstore today!
http://www.thechristianconnection.net
BEAUTIFUL, NEWLY
RENOVATED CONDOMINIUMS
1 BEDROOM 1 BATH, $ 85,000
PAYMENTS CAN BE LESS
THAN RENT
2336 UNION ST.
BLUE ISLAND, IL.
WALK TO TRAIN.
NEAR ST FRANCIS HOSPITAL
CALL
773-732-8843 FOR MORE INFO.
SHARE YOUR FAVORITE WEBSITES
Tell us what sites you find
enjoyable and why.
Global Day of Prayer (June 4)
http://www.gdopusa.com/
Women's Community: Living on Purpose
(tell your wife)
http://www.purposedrivenlife.com/lhj
All links to websites are provided
as a service, and do not imply endorsement by our church.
(BTW: whenever the URLs in this
newsletter are too long to turn into links on your e-mail program, just
copy the entire URL (two lines or more) and paste it into a temporary
email message. Then delete the
return in the middle of it and copy it again. Then paste it into your web browser and
hit enter.)
"Honor all men. Love the brotherhood." 1 Peter
2:17
Min. Frank Coleman, Editor
[email protected]
===== /\ =====
MSM CONNECTIONS is a periodic newsletter of announcements,
news, recommendations, articles, and other information helpful to men in
our spiritual growth. Thanks for welcoming MSM CONNECTIONS into your
in-box!
Who to contact:
Minister Frank Coleman, Men Servants Ministry Chairman,
773-410-1483,
Minister Arnold Whitehead, Men Servants Ministry
Vice-Chairman, 773-846-6090
===== /\
=====
The mission of New Joy Divine Full Gospel Church is to be a
Christ-centered, Bible based, Spirit guided church meeting the spiritual,
physical, and emotional needs of its members and the community it serves.
The Men Servants Ministry (MSM) Team offers a variety of
activities for men to interact with other men on our journey of faith in
Christ together. Large group, small group, and one-to-one events
encourage relationship building and spiritual strengthening that result
in maximizing the potential we all have in Christ. Contact Min. Frank
Coleman, 773-410-1483, [email protected] if
you'd like to participate in a men's discipleship program.
New Joy Divine Full Gospel Church is located at 7625 S. Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60620.
Tel:
773-224-5683. Founded & Pastored by Apostle Aaron L. Royster &
Prophetess Mable L. Royster.
Visit our website at: http://www.newjoydivine.org/
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