Connecting man to man to God!

Week of December 31, 2006

"Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going.  [God] always keeps his word."  Hebrews 10:23 (Msg)

     CONSIDER

"To open up and become sensitive to God's own mission could also mean that we begin to recognize strangers as messengers, sent to us with a particular message, and that, therefore, before we dare preach to them we ought to listen to their stories."  Gerhard Hoffman

     PERSONAL MANIFESTOS FOR GUIDANCE IN 2006

   "A MAGNA CHARTA OF TRUST BY AN OUT-OF-CONTROL DISCIPLE"

"I once was a control junkie, but now am an Out-of-Control Disciple.  I've given up my control to God.  I trust and obey the Spirit.  I've jumped off the fence, I've stepped over the line, I've pulled out all the stops.  There's no turning back, looking around, slowing down, backing away, letting up, or shutting up.  It's life Against the Odds, Outside the Box, Over the Wall, the game of life played Without Goal Lines other than "Thy Will Be Done...."  I am not here to please the dominant culture.  I live to please my Lord and Savior...."  Read this in full at http://www.leonardsweet.com/includes/ShowSweetenedArticles.asp?articleID=94

   "THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE UNASHAMED"

"I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed.  The die has been cast.  I have stepped over the line.  The decision has been made.  I'm a disciple of His.  I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.  My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure.  I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living and dwarfed goals...."  Read this in full at

http://www.gospeltruth.net/unashamed.htm

   THE PURPOSE-DRIVEN COVENANT

"Today I am stepping across the line.  I'm tired of waffling, and I'm finished with wavering.  I've made my choice; the verdict is in; and my decision is irrevocable.  I'm going God's way.  There's no turning back now!  I will live the rest of my life serving God's purposes with God's people on God's planet for God's glory.  I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his Word...."  Read this in full at

http://www.purposedriven.com/en-US/AboutUs/PDintheNews/Archives/Angel_Declaration.htm

   A PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

"I pledge allegiance to Jesus Christ -- savior of my soul, master of my life -- and to his command, "Love one another, as I have loved you."  I pledge to live this day by faith in God, to love him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to bear the Holy Spirit fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."

(copyright 2002, [email protected])

   PRACTICAL RESOLUTIONS TO CONSIDER:

1.      I will pray every day with my spouse and family.

2.      I will read through the Bible this year.

3.      I will memorize one Scripture verse each week.

4.      I will honestly evaluate my church's growth throughout the year.

5.      I will speak about God to someone each day.

6.      I will seek opportunities to share my faith weekly.

7.      I will personally disciple at least four believers this year.

     BIBLE READING & STUDY PLANS

http://www.crusade.org/journey/

http://www.TheBibleIn90Days.com

http://www.zondervanbibles.com/readingplan.htm

http://www.zondervanchurchsource.com/mobile/readthebible.htm

http://www.americanbible.org/site/PageServer?pagename=bib_index

http://www.jesuswalk.com/names-god/

     TEN STEPS TO A GREAT NEW YEAR

Timothy Satryan of Wilmington First Assembly of God offers 10 rules to make 2007 truly a happy new year!

1. Today I will not strike back

If someone is rude; if someone is impatient; if someone is unkind . . . I will not respond in like manner.

2. Today I will ask God to bless my "enemy"

If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I will quietly ask God to bless that individual. I understand the "enemy" could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker or stranger.

3. Today I will be careful about what I say

I will carefully choose and guard my words, being certain that I do not spread gossip, slander or malign anyone in any way.

4. Today I will go the extra mile

I will find ways to help share the burden of another person. I will find ways to make life more pleasant.

5. Today I will forgive

I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way. (I will also work to forgive injuries that have been inflicted upon me in the past)

6. Today I will do something nice for someone, but I will do it secretly

I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another person.

7. Today I will treat others as I wish to be treated

I will practice the golden rule -- do unto others as you would have them do unto you -- with everyone I encounter.

8. Today I will raise the spirits of someone who is discouraged

My smile, my words, my expression of support, can make the difference to someone who is wrestling with life.

9. Today I will nurture my body

I will eat less; I will eat only healthy foods; I will thank God for my body.

10. Today I will grow spiritually

I will spend a little more time in prayer today; I will begin reading something spiritual or inspirational today; I will find a quiet place (at some point during this day) and listen to God's voice!

http://www.preaching.com

     TOP 10 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

1) Spend More Time with Family & Friends

Recent polls conducted by General Nutrition Centers, Quicken, and others shows that more than 50% of Americans vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year.

2) Fit in Fitness

The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man.  Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis.  In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better.

3) Tame the Bulge

Over 66% of adult Americans are considered overweight or obese according to recent studies, so it's not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions.  Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions of Americans who made a New Year's commitment to shed extra pounds.

4) Quit Smoking

If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit, over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides easier access to proven quit-smoking aids.  Even if you've tried to quit before and failed, don't let it get you down.  On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. Start enjoying the rest of your smoke-free life!

5) Enjoy Life More

Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of Americans, it is no wonder that "enjoying life more" has become a popular resolution in recent years.  It's an important step to a happier and healthier you!

6) Quit Drinking

While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are not equipped to make such a drastic lifestyle change all at once.  Many heavy drinkers fail to quit cold turkey but do much better when they taper gradually, or even learn to moderate their drinking.  If you have decided that you want to stop drinking, there is a world of help and support available.

7) Get Out of Debt

Was money a big source of stress in your life last year?  Join the millions of Americans who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances.  It's a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead.

8) Learn Something New

Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new?  Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or just how to fix your computer?  Whether you take a course or read a book, you'll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating New Year's resolutions to keep.  Challenge your mind in the coming year, and your horizons will expand.

9) Help Others

A popular, non-selfish New Year's resolution, volunteerism can take many forms.  Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, or building a house, there are many nonprofit volunteer organizations that could really use your help.

10) Get Organized

On just about every New Year resolution top ten list, organization can be a very reasonable goal.  Whether you want your home organized enough that you can invite someone over on a whim, or your office organized enough that you can find the stapler when you need it, these tips and resources should get you started on the way to a more organized life.

http://pittsburgh.about.com//cs/holidays/tp/resolutions.htm

     POPULAR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

Lose Weight

Pay Off Debt

Save Money

Get a Better Job

Get Fit

Eat Right

Get a Better Education

Drink Less Alcohol

Quit Smoking Now

Reduce Stress Overall

Reduce Stress at Work

Take a Trip

Volunteer to Help Others

http://www.firstgov.gov/Citizen/Topics/New_Years_Resolutions.shtml

     UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND MEDICAL CENTER: NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

GUIDE

http://www.umm.edu/features/resolutions_guide.htm

     THE RESOLUTION MAKER

The story behind Jonathan Edwards's long list.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/leaders/newsletter/2006/cln61225.html

also

http://www.christianitytoday.com/leaders/newsletter/2003/cln30102.html

     POPULATION GROWTH

The U.S. Census Bureau says 2007 is beginning with a national population of 300,888,812 -- up 2,863,990 or 1% from New Year's Day 2006.  In January, the United States is expected to register 1 birth every 8 seconds and 1 death every 11 seconds.  At the same time, net international migration is expected to add 1 person every 27 seconds.  The result is an increase in the total population of 1 person every 15 seconds.

http://www.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html

     TOP 10 STORIES OF SIGNIFICANCE TO EVANGELICALS IN 2006

The editors and writers of Christianity Today believe the following stories have shaped, or will shape, evangelical life, thought, or mission:

1.      Sex Scandal Fells NAE President Ted Haggard

2.      Israel Invades Lebanon

3.      Court Decisions Favor Traditional Marriage

4.      Muslims Riot over Pope's Comments

5.      Religious Left Declares Victory in Midterm Election

6.      Violence Sends Christians Packing from Iraq

7.      Southern Baptists Crack Down on Tongues

8.      Immigration Debate Splits Evangelicals

9.      Ministry Leaders Sign Evangelical Climate Initiative

10.  Christians Flock t o See The Da Vinci Code

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/january/12.20.html

Also see "2006 - A Year Of Ideas and Consequences" by Evangelical Press News Service

http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/ZCS/CLB/2006+Year+in+Review.htm

     THE BEST MOVIES OF 2006

by Phil Boatwright

For the best films of 2006, I'm focusing on films that especially moved me with their spiritual or uplifting themes:

-- "Charlotte's Web" (G)

-- "Facing the Giants" (PG, nothing objectionable)

-- "The Nativity Story" (PG, nothing objectionable)

-- "Beyond the Gates of Splendor" (PG-13 for violent content)

-- "Pearl Diver" (not rated)

-- "Akeelah and the Bee" (PG for some language)

-- "TSOTSI" (Rated R for strong language and violent content)

-- "United 93" (R for strong language, scenes of violence and terror)

http://www.bpnews.net/bpcolumn.asp?ID=2496

     VERSE TO PONDER

"Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of the destitute.  Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy."  Proverbs 31:8-9

     CONSIDER

"The Bible clearly and repeatedly teaches a fundamental point that we have often overlooked.  At the crucial moments when God displayed mighty acts in history to reveal [God's] nature and will, God also intervened to liberate the poor and oppressed."  Ronald J. Sider

     EVEN THOUGH CHRISTMAS IS PAST -- DO YOU BELIEVE?

My family recently watched the animated movie The Polar Express yet again, so I was interested a few days later to see this Breakpoint commentary by Chuck Colson: "Jesus' saying in Mark 10 is a familiar one: 'Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.' Children show us how to approach Jesus: with wide-eyed belief and unquestioning faith.

"One animated film worth seeing again this Christmas reminds us of what it means to have faith like a child's.  Based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express takes us on one boy's journey from doubt to belief.  On one level, the story can be interpreted as a retelling of The Miracle on 34th Street, but for Christians, this film can also be seen as a tale about a return to untainted belief.

"In the movie, a young boy struggles with his belief in Santa Claus.  He lies in bed on Christmas Eve, hoping to hear the bells on Santa's sleigh, but his doubt grows.  Later, he is awakened by the loud and surprising arrival of a train in his front yard.  Walking outside, the boy is greeted by a conductor, who asks, "Well, are you coming?" Boarding the train, we find, is the most important decision he makes.

"Along with many other children, the boy travels to the North Pole, where Santa will present the first gift of Christmas. During the trip, the boy continues to struggle with doubt, at one point trying to wake himself up.  There are two messages from the movie that stand out. First, as the conductor later remarks to the boy, 'It doesn't matter where you're going; what matters is deciding to get on.'  Often we allow life's disappointments to make us cynical.  Or we expect to get something for our faith.  But life usually doesn't work out according to our plans.  So yes, what's important isn't where we end up or what we get, but that we trust God enough to act on faith.

"Second, the conductor also reminds us: 'The most real things in the world are the things we can't see.'  That's when we need the faith of a child to ask what Max Lucado calls the "fundamental question": 'Can I afford to believe in what I have never seen?'

"Bill Broyles, the film's screenwriter, notes: 'We all go through that passage... to that world of adulthood where that magic and wonder is gone -- or maybe deeply buried.'  As we enter the Christmas season, this is a good time to rekindle a sense of wonder and awe of our Creator and Savior.  The Polar Express is a great holiday film with a story even the youngest child can understand -- and a profound message about faith and belief that no adult can miss."

http://www.preaching.com

     AFTER CHRISTMAS GIFTS

What do you give kids after they've torn open their Christmas presents, jammed the sweaters and toys into drawers and closets, and mailed out their thank you notes?  The Search Institute, a Minneapolis, Minnesota based independent nonprofit organization provides leadership, knowledge, and resources to promote healthy young people and communities.  They've been studying the development of young people since 1958.  Their research has produced a "gift list" of sorts for kids.  The Search Institute has trademarked this list the 40 Developmental Assets.  Exactly who gives these developmental gifts to young people to encourage them to be healthy, caring and responsible?  You do!  So after Christmas, when your kids got a whole lot of what they want, here's a list of what they need.  Consider it the ultimate Day After Christmas List!

EXTERNAL ASSETS

The young person's family (1) provides high levels of love and support where (2) communication is positive, and the young person seeks advice and from parent(s). He or she (3) also has three or more non-parent adults they receive support from, along with (4) caring neighbors.

The young person's school (5) provides a caring, encouraging environment where (6) the young person's parent(s) are actively involved in helping them succeed in school.

The young person (7) perceives that adults in the community value youth.  He or she (8) is given useful roles in the community, (9) serving one hour or more per week.

The young person (10) feels safe at home, at school, and in the neighborhood.  The young person's family has (11) clear rules and consequences, and monitors the young person's whereabouts.  The young person's school also (12) provides clear rules and consequences.  Neighbors (13) monitor the young people's behavior as well.  Parent(s) and other adults (14) model positive, responsible behavior, as does the young person's (15) best friends.

Parent(s) and teachers (16) encourage the young person to do well.  Besides school, he or she (17) spends three or more hours per week in lessons or practice in music, theater, or other arts, another (18) three or more hours per week in sports, clubs, or organizations at school and/or in community organizations, and (19) one hour or more per week in activities in a religious institution.

The young person also spends lots of time at home with their family.  He or she (20) is out with friends "with nothing special to do" two or fewer nights per week.

INTERNAL ASSETS

The young person (21) is motivated to do well in school.  He or she (22) is actively engaged in learning, doing (23) at least one hour of homework every school day and in general (24) cares about her or his school.

The young person (25) reads for pleasure three or more hours per week.

The young person (26) places high value on helping other people and (27) promoting equality and reducing hunger and poverty.

The young person (28) acts on convictions and stands up for her or his beliefs, (29) "tells the truth even when it is not easy" and (30) accepts and takes personal responsibility.

The young person (31) believes it is important not to be sexually active or to use alcohol or other drugs.

The young person (32) knows how to plan ahead and make choices.  Interpersonally, the young person (33) has empathy, sensitivity, and friendship skills.  They also have (34) knowledge of and comfort with people of different cultural/racial/ethnic backgrounds.  They young person (35) can resist negative peer pressure and dangerous situations, (36) seeking to resolve conflict nonviolently.  The young person (37) feels he or she has control over "things that happen to me."  They (38) report having a high self-esteem and (39) that "my life has a purpose."

Because of the above, the young person (40) is optimistic about her or his personal future.

Copyright (c) 1997, 2006 by Search Institute.  All rights reserved.

http://www.search-institute.org/

     CONSIDER

"The Psalms defy our notions of profane and sacred, proving that everything we feel, witness, do unto others, and have done to us is acceptable subject matter for conversing with the Divine.  They invite us to bring every part of ourselves into our houses of worship.  If we omit expressions of faith lost, of rage, of disdain, and of the desire for revenge, we leave parts of ourselves at the door."  Kari Jo Verhulst

     VERSE TO PONDER

"The Lord works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed.  He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.  The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.  He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever.  He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities."  Psalms 103:6-10

     THIS WEEK'S HYMN: JOY TO THE WORLD

Joy to the world! the Lord is come!

        Let earth receive her King;

    Let every heart prepare him room,

        And heav'n and nature sing.

    Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns!

        Let men their songs employ,

    While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains,

        Repeat the sounding joy.

    No more let sins and sorrows grow,

        Nor thorns infest the ground;

    He comes to make his blessings flow

        Far as the curse is found.

    He rules the world with truth and grace,

        And makes the nations prove

    The glories of his righteousness,

        And wonders of his love.

    ... Isaac Watts (1674-1748)

     GOD FAQ

Question 105: What are the sins forbidden in the first commandment?

Answer: The sins forbidden in the first commandment are, atheism, in denying or not having a God; idolatry, in having or worshiping more gods than one, or any with or instead of the true God; the not having and avouching him for God, and our God; the omission or neglect of anything due to him, required in this commandment; ignorance, forgetfulness, misapprehensions, false opinions, unworthy and wicked thoughts of him; bold and curious searching into his secrets; all profaneness, hatred of God; self-love, self-seeking, and all other inordinate and immoderate setting of our mind, will, or affections upon other things, and taking them off from him in whole or in part; vain credulity, unbelief, heresy, misbelief, distrust, despair, incorrigibleness, and insensibleness under judgments, hardness of heart, pride, presumption, carnal security, tempting of God; using unlawful means, and trusting in lawful means; carnal delights and joys; corrupt, blind, and indiscreet zeal; lukewarmness, and deadness in the things of God; estranging ourselves, and apostatizing from God; praying, or giving any religious worship, to saints, angels, or any other creatures; all compacts and consulting with the devil, and hearkening to his suggestions; making men the lords of our faith and conscience; slighting and despising God and his commands; resisting and grieving of his Spirit, discontent and impatience at his dispensations, charging him foolishly for the evils he inflicts on us; and ascribing the praise of any good we either are, have, or can do, to fortune, idols, ourselves, or any other creature.

http://www.shortercatechism.com/

     SPIRITUAL WINGS

Receive daily meditational ponderments capsulized as simple one-liners in your e-mailbox as yet another path to spark the soul in thought. Includes a daily spiritual acronym; a weekly spiritual affirmation, a weekly spiritually oriented artwork, a weekly spiritual sharing, a weekly spiritual prayer, a weekly spiritual poem, a weekly spiritually oriented joke, and a weekly spiritually oriented cartoon. Ecumenical, nondenominational.

-"May the road always lead, where you need to be."

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SpiritualWings/

     ON PRAYER

"More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of."  Alfred, Lord Tennyson

     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
Business Growth

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.

     SHARE YOUR FAVORITE WEBSITES

Tell us what sites you find enjoyable and why.

How Rich Are You?

http://globalrichlist.com/

Nooma - "Rich" with Rob Bell

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZFFxDcSfeA

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.)

Happy New Year!

Min. Frank Coleman, Editor

[email protected]

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