Connecting man to man to God!

Week of March 25, 2007

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"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.  He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year of drought."  Jeremiah 17:7-8

     CONSIDER

"Toward the future let us look calmly, cheerfully, trustfully.  The Lord is in it, and if we are His, we need fear no evil."  Unknown

     JESUS ON CNN

By Bob Roberts, Jr.

"If the physical presence of Jesus were here today, where would he be?  Would he get on the speaking circuit? Perhaps he'd do his own radio and syndicated television program.  Would he hold big rallies? I honestly don't think so..."  Read this in full at

http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/Book/Articles/Follow+Jesus+on+CNN.htm

     WHEN CHRIST CALLS

"The cross is laid on every Christian.  As we embark upon discipleship we surrender ourselves to Christ in union with his death -- we give over our lives to death.  The cross is not the terrible end to an otherwise god-fearing and happy life, but it meets us at the beginning of our communion with Christ.  When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die."  Dietrich Bonhoffer, The Cost of Discipleship

     EVALUATING DISCIPLESHIP

John Sutherland Bonnell, the great preacher of a generation ago, suggested 5 questions that are useful in evaluating Christian effectiveness and commitment.  Look closely at them to judge your strengths and weaknesses as a disciple of Christ.

1.      Does my life witness each day to the power of the risen Christ?

2.      Does my faith in Christ affect the quality of my daily living, so that there adheres to it a nobility and moral strength?

3.      Is there anything in my life that reminds men and women of the Master to whom I have pledged my allegiance?

4.      Is there any discernable difference at all in my life as contrasted with the lives of those who never acknowledged Jesus as Lord and Savior? (See Matthew 5:46-48)

5.      Do I manifest in the midst of this fevered generation a serenity of spirit which reveals that the peace of God is dwelling in my heart?

     STANDING ALONE

"Jeremiah made the right decision and as a result became one of the most unpopular prophets in Jewish history.  Measured by human standards, his ministry was a failure, but measured by the will of God, he was a great success.  It isn't easy to stand alone, to resist the crowd, and to be out of step with the philosophies and values of the times.  Jeremiah lived like that for 40 years."  Warren Wiersbe

     CHRISTIAN BOOK SUMMARY

"The Rest of God" by Mark Buchanan is now summarized online.  The book's message: We have allowed our lives to be ransacked by pressure and busyness, and in the process have lost the rest of God-the peace we only experience when we become still.  We forget the gift of true Sabbath, a gift that God provides to enrich and fill and bless us.  God commanded us to keep it, knowing we might neglect it.  And when we neglect it, we lose not only His rest, but the joy of knowing more of the God who gives us that rest....  Read the summary at

http://www.christianbooksummaries.com/

     SLEEP DEPRIVATION CAN AFFECT MORAL DECISIONS

A recent study that was published in the March edition of Sleep, the official journal of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, recorded findings that suggest that lack of sleep can impair a person's ability to make moral decisions.

The research, which was conducted by William D.S. Killgore, PhD, and his colleagues at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, shows that individuals who are kept awake for 53 hours have more difficulty acting upon "moral" situations due to their impaired ability to integrate emotion and cognition.  Individuals that have high levels of "emotional intelligence," however, are less or not at all affected by sleep deprivation.

The findings advocate individuals to get adequate sleep to ensure proper judgment, but it also brings up questions about how to increase one's emotional intelligence, which would increase one's ability to make moral choices.

"Most of us are confronted with moral dilemmas nearly every day, although the majority of these choices are minor and of little consequence," said Killgore in the report.  "Although such decisions are inextricably steeped in social, emotional, religious and moral values, and their correct courses of action cannot be determined through scientific inquiry, it is well within the realm of science to ask how the brain goes about solving such dilemmas and what factors, whether internal or external to the individual, contribute to the judgments and decisions that are ultimately reached."

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20070315/26337.htm

     CELL PHONES AND THE RISE OF VIRAL VIDEO

by Melissa Prince and John Roos

At the end of December, 2006, the world was spellbound by a poor-quality, three-minute cell phone video of Saddam Hussein's execution.  Within hours, this covert, "viral" footage had been viewed worldwide via the Web by curious millions.  This could not have been dreamed possible in the past.  But this event vividly demonstrates how viral videos not only have changed personal interaction, but also created new models for communications.  In the process, viral videos have created new sources of news.

These videos truly are "viral," spreading like a virus.  They have established new standards as people are more willing to accept low quality in return for immediate access and the opportunity to eyewitness events, both earthshaking and trivial, both innocent and provocative.

Partly because of the growth of viral videos, "amateur" journalism has made serious inroads into territory previously reserved for conventional reporting.  After all, people are everywhere, while typical "video" cameras are not.  "Hard" news now is being created with these new devices.  For example, minutes after London's subway system was hit with a series of bombs on July 7, 2005, video and still photograph images were distributed from cell phones, becoming evidence in the investigation.

These high-powered phones are becoming the norm.  NPD Group, a market-research firm, reports that two-thirds of mobile phones shipped in November 2006 had a built-in camera, up from 49% a year before.  And the majority of those had video capability.

The Wall Street Journal has reported that "a new family of phones specializing in recording and viewing higher-quality video are hitting the U.S. market."  These phones "have more memory and better lenses," delivering "more frames per second to improve picture quality."  These higher quality devices are fairly inexpensive, ranging in cost from $350-$800.

What does this mean for Christians?  A $700 phone is a small expense for news agencies or would-be reporters who want to be situated anonymously.  Investigative reporting is taking on a new face.

This means that anyone near you (on a plane, in a store, at a movie) can secretly document what you say or do, and then edit it to accomplish their agenda.  Disgruntled employees can wreak havoc (as the world saw on YouTube with a Bank of America staff meeting).  Church services can be recorded by people with ungodly motives.

This reminds us that every Christians is a representative of Christ, wherever we are and whatever we do.  We are Ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5.20).  And we need to realize that each of us is a potential target of the enemy in this new "candid camera" world.  Our walk, personally and professionally, now has the opportunity to be broadcast to billions within minutes.  While this should not cause us to grow overly cynical, neither should we be naïve.

We also need to remember that, with millions of people worldwide being empowered by blogs, cell phones, and other new media, it's more difficult than ever for people to accept authority.  We have entered a time reminiscent of the days when "there was no king in Israel" so "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25).

God's people need to be sensitive about using and depending upon these resources.  And we need to be careful not to allow viral video to undermine our faith in the Gospel, and in God Himself, who is beyond time, who is sovereign, and whose eyes already "run to and fro throughout the whole earth" (2 Chronicles 16.9).

[John Roos and Melissa Prince work in corporate communications with The Inspiration Networks.]

     LEADERSHIP TIPS (BUSINESS, FAMILY, LIFE)

Leadership Principles for Successful Living

by Ray Ellis

From the life of Joshua we find leadership principles for successful living.  From Joshua's life and character we can learn helpful lessons on spiritual leadership for families, parents and individuals.  Are leaders born or made?  Most leaders are made and not born...."  Read this in full at

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=91090

     VERSE TO PONDER

"Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good."  1 Peter 2:2-3

     CONSIDER

"We do not exist for ourselves."  Thomas Merton

     UNCHURCHED POPULATION NEARS 100 MILLION IN THE U.S.

Despite noteworthy shifts in religious behavior, the percentage of American adults who have stayed away from churches for 6 months has remained stable.  One out of every 3 adults meets that qualification for being considered "unchurched."  Political liberals (47%) are more than twice as likely to be unchurched as political conservatives (19%).  Ethnically, African Americans, whites, and Hispanics all fall between 25-34%, but Asians are unchurched at an alarming 63% rate.  Single adults continue a historic pattern of being more likely than married adults to stay away from religious services (37% versus 29%, respectively).  Residents of the West (42%) and Northeast (39%) remain the most church resistant, while those in the South are the least prone to avoid religious services (26%).  While about 1/3 of heterosexuals are unchurched (31%), 1/2 of the homosexual public (49%) meet the unchurched criteria.

http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdateNarrowPreview&BarnaUpdateID=267

     GROUP ADVOCATES MACHO CHRISTIANITY

There is a new trend in religion: macho Christianity -- a movement started by men who say traditional church services are just too feminine and sissy.  In America less than 4 in 10 churchgoers are men, and the men in this movement say it's because men need a religious outlet that's more masculine.

In a rented space in a Tennessee shopping mall, masculine religion is championed by GodMen, a group that conducts daylong sessions of stunts and speeches.  The sessions, according to GodMen's founder, comic Brad Stine, are intended to toughen up Christian men.  "It's about men stepping up and being strong again," Stine said.

Men need movements like GodMen because Christians have been taught about a Jesus who's too nice to be real, said life coach and Christian radio show host Paul Coughlin.  The leaders of GodMen contend that church, as most men know it, has gotten too sissy....  Read this in full at

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2953421

Also see Newsweek's coverage "Real Men Talk About God" at

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15488905/site/newsweek/

And the group's website

http://www.godmen.org/

     REVISED "R" RATING HAS A PARENTAL GUIDE

Coming soon to a theater near you: a disclaimer discouraging parents from bringing under-17 viewers with them to R-rated movies.  The advisory will warn, "Generally, it is not appropriate for parents to bring their young children with them to R-rated motion pictures."  That wording comes in response to complaints to the Motion Picture Association of America from moviegoers concerned about small children attending violent and sexually graphic films.  The MPAA issued the new notice in conjunction with the National Association of Theatre Owners and The Classification and Rating Administration.

The Hollywood Reporter, 3/15/07

     MARCH MADNESS

http://www.ncaasports.com/basketball/mens

http://www.ncaasports.com/basketball/womens

     LOOKING AHEAD

Tax Day is April 17 this year.

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=167195,00.html

     ON MIMICKING

The Greek word for "imitate" (mimetai) literally means to "mimic" or to "shadow"-to do exactly what you see another doing, nothing more nor less. Thus, as disciples of Jesus we are to do what we see God doing in Jesus, just as our shadow does everything we do. Paul spells out what this shadowing looks like when he goes on to say: "Live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us" (Ephesians 5:2). To be part of the body of Christ, to be a participant in the kingdom of God, means-by definition-that we mimic Jesus' love by how we live. We aren't to love just on occasion, when it's convenient, or when our enemies aren't attacking our nation. We are to live in this Calvary-quality love when we're breathing, when our brain is active, when our heart is beating. All we do is to be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14), and insofar as we do this, we manifest the kingdom of God."  Gregory A. Boyd, The Myth of a Christian Nation

     GLOVE BOX TIPS

Is your car ready for summer driving?  These booklets will help you get your car in shape or work with your mechanic to get the best repair service he can offer.

http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/cars/glovebox/glovebox.htm

     YOUR FAMILY DISASTER SUPPLY KIT

While you're cleaning out the closets, use the lists in this handy guide to gather together food, first aid supplies, and other items you might need in case of an emergency.

http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/family/disaster/famlykit.htm

     YOUR GUIDE FOR FINANCIAL SECURITY

Get your financial house in order with tips on everything from setting financial goals and investing to organizing your files.

http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/money/moneymatters/moneymatters.pdf

     WORLD WATER DAY WAS MARCH 22

Nearly 1.1 billion people (roughly 20% of the world's population) lack access to safe drinking water, killing almost 4,500 children per day.  One-third of the earth's population lives in 'water stressed' countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.  The world water crisis is created by climate and geography, lack of water systems and infrastructure, and inadequate sanitation. Some countries have additional problems, including high levels of arsenic and fluoride in drinking water....  See Living Water International at

http://www.water.cc/

     CONSIDER

"Those who would learn to serve must first learn to think little of themselves...Only those who live by the forgiveness of their sin in Jesus Christ will think little of themselves in the right way.  They will know that their own wisdom completely came to an end when Christ forgave them."  Dietrich Bonhoeffer

     VERSE TO PONDER

"Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters.  Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love [God]?  But you have dishonored the poor.  Is it not the rich who oppress you?  Is it not they who drag you into court?"  James 2:5-6

     THIS WEEK'S HYMN: BY PRECEPTS TAUGHT OF AGES PAST

Words: Unknown author, 11th century

Music: 1568

By precepts taught of ages past,

Now let us keep again the fast,

Which, year by year, in order meet

Of forty days is made complete.

The law and seers that were of old

In divers ways this Lent foretold,

Which Christ Himself, the Lord and Guide

Of every season, sanctified.

More sparing therefore let us make

The words we speak, the food we take,

Deny ourselves in mirth and sleep,

In stricter watch our senses keep.

In prayer together let us fall,

And cry for mercy, one and all;

And weep before the Judge, and say,

O turn from us Thy wrath away.

Thy grace have we offended sore

By sins, O God, which we deplore;

Pour down upon us from above

The riches of Thy pardoning love.

Remember, Lord, though frail we be,

That yet Thine handiwork are we:

Nor let the honor of Thy Name

Be by another put to shame.

Forgive the ill that we have wrought,

Increase the good that we have sought;

That we at length, our wanderings o'er,

May please Thee now and evermore.

Blest Three in One, and One in Three,

Almighty God, we pray to Thee,

That Thou wouldst now vouchsafe to bless

Our fast with fruits of righteousness.

>from CyberHymnal at

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/y/byprecep.htm

     GOD FAQ

Question 117: How is the Sabbath or the Lord's day to be sanctified?

Answer: The Sabbath or Lord's day is to be sanctified by an holy resting all the day, not only from such works as are at all times sinful, but even from such worldly employments and recreations as are on other days lawful; and making it our delight to spend the whole time (except so much of it as is to betaken up in works of necessity and mercy) in the public and private exercises of God's worship: and, to that end, we are to prepare our hearts, and with such foresight, diligence, and moderation, to dispose and seasonably dispatch our worldly business, that we may be the more free and fit for the duties of that day.

http://www.shortercatechism.com/

     ON PRAYER

"Prayer is as natural an expression of faith as breathing is of life."  Jonathan Edwards

     PRAY FOR PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS TODAY

http://christiansincrisis.net/

     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.

Make your own sand art painting (click and hold a color and let it drip sand)

http://kopykat.com/sand.html

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.)

A smile is contagious; be a carrier.

Min. Frank Coleman, Editor

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