Connecting man to man to God!

Week of October 7, 2007

Issue 177

"May grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."  2 Peter 3:14-14

     CONSIDER

"I want what God wants.  That's why I am so merry."  Francis of  Assisi

     THE CHURCH IS TO BE A DIFFERENTIATOR

"Instead of always being one of the chief bastions of the social status quo, the church is to develop a Christian counter-culture with its own distinctive goals, values, standards, and lifestyle -- a realistic alternative to the contemporary technocracy which is marked by bondage, materialism, self-centeredness, and greed.  Christ's call to obedience is a call to be different, not conformist.  Such a church -- joyful, obedient, loving, and free -- will do more than please God: it will attract the world.  It is when the church evidently is the church, and is living a supernatural life of love by the power of the Holy Spirit, that the world will believe."  John R. W. Stott, Obeying Christ in a Changing World

     50 YEARS AFTER FIRST APPEARING ON DOLLAR BILLS, "IN GOD WE TRUST" STILL STIRS OPPOSITION

October marks the 50th anniversary of the use of the phrase "In God We Trust" on U.S. paper currency.  Polls show that an overwhelming majority of Americans support the motto, but others argue it's divisive because it excludes those who don't believe in God, as well as Buddhists, Hindus, and others who follow non-monotheistic faiths....

http://pewforum.org/docs/?DocID=247

     OCTOBER IS CLERGY APPRECIATION MONTH

Clergy Appreciation Month is a special time for us to honor our pastors and pastoral families for the hard work, sacrificial dedication, and multiple blessings provided by these special people....

http://www.parsonage.org/cam/index.cfm

http://www.christianitytoday.com/holidays/clergy/

     NEW MOVEMENT REACHING FOR 10 MILLION MEN BY 2015

The Christian Men's Network (CMN) is celebrating its 30th anniversary by pushing forward on an ambitious plan to reach 10 million men by the year 2015.  "Our goal is to make manhood and Christlikeness synonymous," said Paul L. Cole, president of CMN Worldwide.  Whether it's men within the church, men who have left, men in the government or men in different spheres of culture, the CMN initiative is all about reaching men through a biblically-based curriculum.  "We believe that if you build strong men, you build strong families, and strong families will build strong churches, and strong churches will change the culture," said Cole, who is currently holding strategic forums in Dallas with church leaders from around the world....  Read more at

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20071002/29543_New_Movement_Reaching_for_10_Million_Men_by_2015.htm

CMN Worldwide

http://www.cmnworld.com/

     OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

The organization Men Stopping Violence works locally, nationally, and internationally to dismantle belief systems, social structures, and institutional practices that oppress women and children and dehumanize men themselves.  Its "Because We Have Daughters campaign" is based on the belief that when men of conscience bring the weight of their own outrage over violence against women into their communities and institutions, those communities and institutions will undergo profound and meaningful transformations.  The campaign recruits groups of men who share fun and educational activities with their daughters -- game days, art projects, skits, and other activities.  These activities help men to look at life through their daughters' eyes, heightening their awareness of the culture of violence and beginning the dialogue necessary to create real change....  Read more at

http://www.esa-online.org/Article.asp?RecordKey=C604AF39-D81F-43B3-B866-4BA0513DEDE2

Men Stopping Violence

http://www.menstoppingviolence.org/index.php

     LEADERSHIP TIPS (BUSINESS, FAMILY, LIFE)

FedEx chief takes cue from leaders in history

Some of the most popular executive excursions are to places such as Gettysburg where business leaders are taught the consequences of making right and wrong decisions under stress.  The book on a CEO's nightstand is more likely to be a biography than the latest leadership tome. History-reading CEOs include Charles Schwab, Bell South's Duane Ackerman and Abbott Laboratories' Miles White.  Among the most avid is FedEx CEO Frederick Smith, who says he has learned far more from historical figures than from trendy leadership gurus.  Whatever he's digesting, it seems to be working.  FedEx stock is up 400% since the Fourth of July a decade ago. Smith, 60, sat down with USA TODAY corporate management reporter Del Jones at the FedEx Washington office, appropriately at 101 Constitution Ave., and a few hundred yards from the Capitol building.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/management/2005-06-19-fedex-advice_x.htm

     VERSE TO PONDER

[Jesus said,] "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."  Matthew 5:11-12

     CONSIDER

"All God's giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on God being with them."  J. Hudson Taylor 

     GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

India is the "statistical center of gravity" for the unreached world -- meaning it has an equal number of unsaved people to its north, south, east, and west -- while Mali, Africa, is the statistical center of gravity for Christianity.  That's according to Todd Johnson, director of the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Boston, who spoke at the recent International Society for Frontier Missiology conference.  The research fellow believes Christians don't reach out to those who are unsaved outside of their geographical and cultural spheres.  He notes that statistics have shown the most responsive people to the gospel are Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists, yet 86% of these people do not personally know a Christian.  He adds that 90% of all Christian evangelism is aimed at other Christians.  "I think it is an interesting irony that God Himself has prepared the peoples for the gospel message, but we tend to be slow in contacting and being witnesses among these peoples," Johnson concluded....

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20070916/29326_Center_for_World%27s_Unreached_in_India%2C_Says_Global_Church_Expert.htm

     TOURING FOR TRANSLATION

In September two staff members from Wycliffe Bible Translators began a 3,000-mile cross-country bicycle tour to raise awareness for the need of both written and audio Bible translations.  The two bikers, Ed Speyers and Doug Haag, hope the 40-day trek will raise awareness and funds to have a biblical translation in every language by 2025 and, more immediately, to enable Bible translation for two people groups in Guatemala.  Accompanied by five other bikers, Speyers and Haag began their tour in Los Angeles and plan to conclude it in Lynchburg, Va.

https://www.wycliffe.org/WebShop/DonationDescription.aspx

https://www.wycliffe.org/WebShop/DonationDescription.aspx

     RED MASS SEEKS JUDICIAL GUIDANCE

The archbishop of Milwaukee reminded 6 Supreme Court justices on the eve of their new session that "it is a cherished part of our American heritage to rejoice in a mutually enriching alliance between religion, morality and democracy."  Speaking to a crowd of more than 1,500 in his homily at the 54th annual Red Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew in Washington, D.C., Archbishop Timothy Dolan reminded the jurists and other government officials in attendance that "ideas have consequences"....  Read more at

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071001/NATION/110010048/1002

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Mass

     SPORTS CALENDAR
Baseball Championships begin Oct. 11
http://www.mlb.com/

Men's Table Tennis World Cup runs Oct. 12-14
http://www.ittf.com/competitions/competitions2.asp?Competition_ID=1659&category=WC

Rugby World Cup ends Oct. 20
http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Rugby_World_Cup

World Series begins Oct. 24
http://www.worldseries.com

National Basketball Association season starts Oct. 30
http://www.nba.com

The Super Bowl will be Feb. 3, 2008
http://www.superbowl.com

     THE IMPORTANCE OF EATING TOGETHER

Family dinners can keep kids off drugs, according to a new study by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse.  Teens who sat down with their families for dinner less than twice a week were more likely to smoke, drink or use drugs than teens who ate with their families five or more nights a week.  In fact, 12- and 13-year-olds who didn't eat with their families as often were six times more likely to use marijuana than kids who sat down for regular family meals. [USA Today, 9/25/07 stats]

     NEW BOOK SUMMARY ONLINE

The classic book The Saints' Everlasting Rest by Richard Baxter is now summarized in detail online.  The book's message: A glorious rest, an eternal dwelling in the fullness of His presence, awaits those who abide in Christ.  The Scriptures attest to it, the angels proclaim it, and the saints await it with longing.  The hope of this rest comforts those who suffer, giving them strength to endure.  For they know their time on earth is temporary, while their heavenly inheritance is eternal.... 

Read more at

http://www.christianbooksummaries.com/

Buy it here:

http://www.christianconnectionbooks.com/content/search/product/view_item.php?dcn=39488&sm=

     JONI AND FRIENDS LAUNCHES NEW TV PROGRAM

C.S. Lewis once wrote: "Pain insists upon being attended to.  God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."

Now Joni Eareckson Tada, well-known for her ministry of advocacy for the disabled, is taking her message to the airwaves as she hosts a new TV program dealing with the tough problems people have in everyday life, which God often uses to get our attention.

Joni and Friends is a new 28-minute television program hosted by Joni.  It takes a refreshingly honest approach to people's toughest questions about the goodness of God in a world shattered by pain and suffering.

Joni and Friends is a half-hour of riveting images, soul-stirring stories, and proof-positive truths from the heart of God's Word, which promises to change your life.  The program airs for the first time on October 19 on NRB-TV.  Preview the program at http://www.joniandfriendstv.org/test/ ....  Read more at

http://www.assistnews.net/STORIES/2007/s07100004.htm

    MORE AMERICANS FAMILIAR WITH BIG MAC INGREDIENTS THAN 10 COMMANDMENTS

In a new study conducted by Kelton research in conjunction with the upcoming release of the animated feature film, The Ten Commandments, 80% of respondents knew "two all beef patties" were among the ingredients of the Big Mac but only 6 out of 10 could identify "Thou shalt not kill" as one of the Ten Commandments.  Also, while 43% of respondents -- including those who regularly attend worship -- could recall Bobby and Peter, two of the least-recalled names from the Brady Bunch, they were less familiar with two of the least recalled commandments -- "Remember the Sabbath" (34%) and "Do not make any false idols" (29%).

"This gradual erosion of our knowledge of the Ten Commandments is a pretty serious issue," said Paul Lauer, founder and president of Motive Entertainment, the group marketing the Ten Commandments film.  He adds that he was shocked because these were statistics coming from a country that is known as "a Christian nation."

Lauer, along with makers of the Ten Commandments movie, say they hope the film will inspire Americans to improve their literacy of the Ten Commandments and the Bible.  The film, produced by Promenade Pictures, is slated to hit theaters Oct. 19.

The family-friendly film tells the story of Moses, the reluctant prophet of God, who leads the enslaved Chosen People from Egypt to the Promised Land.  During the journey, Moses, who is also accompanied by his brother Aaron and sister Miriam, delivers the Ten Commandments given to him by God to the people....

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20071003/29557_Survey:_More_Americans_Familiar_with_Big_Mac_Ingredients_than_10_Commandments.htm

Movie Website

http://www.epicstoriesofthebible.com/

     A GRACEFUL TEST

I left work early so I could have some uninterrupted study time right before the final in my Youth Issues class.  When I got to class, everybody was doing their last minute studying.  The teacher came in and said he would review with us for just a little bit before the test.  We went through the review, most of it right on the study guide, but there were some things he was reviewing that I had never heard of.  When questioned about it, he said that they were in the book and we were responsible for everything in the book.  We couldn't really argue with that.

Finally it was time to take the test.  "Leave them face down on the desk until everyone has one and I'll tell you to start," our prof instructed.  When we turned them over, every answer on the test was filled in!  The bottom of the last page said the following:

"This is the end of the Final Exam.  All the answers on your test are correct.  You will receive an 'A' on the final exam.  The reason you passed the test is because the creator of the test took it for you.  All the work you did in preparation for this test did not help you get the A.  You have just experienced...grAce."

He then went around the room and asked each student individually, "What is your grade?  Do you deserve the grade you are receiving?  How much did all your studying for this exam help you achieve your final grade?"

Now I am not a crier by any stretch of the imagination, but I had to fight back tears when answering those questions and thinking about how the Creator has passed the test for me.

Discussion afterward went like this: "I have tried to teach you all semester that you are a recipient of grace. I've tried to communicate to you that you need to demonstrate this gift as you work with young people. Don't hammer them; they are not the enemy.  Help them, for they will carry on your ministry if it is full of GRACE!"

Talking about how some of us had probably studied hours and some just a few minutes but had all received the same grade, he pointed to a story Jesus told in Matthew 20.  The owner of a vineyard hired people to work in his field and agreed to pay them a certain amount.  Several different times during the day, he hired more workers.  When it was time to pay them, they all received the same amount.  When the ones who had been hired first thing in the morning began complaining, the boss said, "Should you be angry because I am kind?" (Matthew 20:15).

The teacher said he had never done this kind of final before and probably would never do it again, but because of the content of many of our class discussions, he felt like we needed to experience grace.

Have you thanked your Creator today because of the grace you've experienced?

Mikey's Note: I received the above from a Funnies subscriber.  It sure sounded like something that actually happened to her.  But with the 'Net, you never know.  On the surface it sounds like one of those cool stories that you wish was true.  So I followed up and found out that it really did happen to her -- in fact, on 04/30/02 in a youth ministry class at Hannibal-LaGrange College in Missouri.

http://www.mikeysFunnies.com

     TEN WAYS TO MAKE THE WORLD BETTER

by Karen M. Jones

Most of us lead busy, hectic lives, but we still care deeply about helping others.  In only a few minutes of a single day, you can make a difference in the world.  Here are some suggestions from Karen Jones, founder of the organization Benevolent Planet, that are easy to fit into your day.  What a difference a day makes!

1. Bring Relief to Families

Contact a homeless shelter for families in your area to ask how you might help with a field trip, picnic, or art workshop for its younger residents.

2. Buy Some Time

Put a quarter in an expired parking meter at an occupied parking space.  It's a small gesture that can save someone a big ticket.

3. Blanket a Baby

If you can knit, crochet, quilt, or complete a fleece or fiber-art baby blanket in a day, you can comfort a vulnerable child.  Project Linus provides new, homemade, washable blankets and afghans, created by volunteer blanketeers, to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need.  Find all you need to know at projectlinus.org or contact:

Project Linus PO Box 5621 Bloomington, IL 61702-562 309-664-7814 Email:

[email protected]

4. Help Someone See

Drop off your old eyeglasses at a LensCrafters in your area; they'll donate them through the Gift of Sight program to people in developing countries who need them.

5. Pass on the Present

Are you celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or other gift-getting occasion?  Pick a nonprofit organization you admire and ask gift-givers to make donations to that organization instead of giving you stuff.

6. Give Away That Old Phone

CollectiveGood recycles your used cell phones and other mobile devices to benefit your choice of more than fifty partner charities.  For example, you can drop used cell phones, PDAs (personal digital assistants), and pagers at any Staples store to support the Sierra Club.

7. Outfit a New Employee

Donate gently used professional work clothing and accessories to organizations that help low-income men and women get and keep jobs.  Look for a collection site under Social Service Organizations in your local Yellow Pages, or visit careergear.org (for men) and dressforsuccess.org (for women) for drop-off and mailing instructions.

8. Help a Shelter Resident Find a Job

A day at your computer can transform a life; become a virtual volunteer by going to volunteermatch.org and clicking on Virtual.  For example, some shelters need volunteers to surf the Internet looking for entry-level job openings in different industries, then email or fax their findings for postings on the shelter's job board.

9. Be the Best Medicine

Create and deliver a special "care kit" for a sick friend: soup, magazines, wool socks, mentholated breathing strips, tissues with lotion for a sore nose.

10. Don't Medicate the Fish

Old or excess medications flushed into sewage systems or discarded where drainage can transport them to waterways can affect aquatic life.  Call your pharmacy or local hospital to ask if they collect expired medications for safe disposal or destruction.  If they don't, contact your local hazardous-waste disposal center for instructions.

http://www.beliefnet.com/nllp/Inspiration.aspx?WT.mc_id=Inspiration03&date=10-04-2007

     CONSIDER

"In what area of your life are you shrinking back from fully and courageously trusting God?  Fear will tell you what your boat is. Leaving it may be the hardest thing you ever do."  John Ortberg, If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat

     VERSE TO PONDER

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."  1 Peter 1:3

     THIS WEEK'S HYMN: BLESSÈD ASSURANCE

Words: Fanny Crosby, 1873

Music: Phoebe P. Knapp

Blessèd assurance, Jesus is mine!

O what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,

Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Refrain

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior, all the day long;

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior, all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,

Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;

Angels descending bring from above

Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Refrain

Perfect submission, all is at rest

I in my Savior am happy and blest,

Watching and waiting, looking above,

Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

Refrain

>from CyberHymnal at

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/l/e/blesseda.htm

     ON PRAYER

"If the Holy Spirit is leading you to learn more about prayer, you are about to embark on a wonderful adventure.  As you grow in prayer, God will reveal more of Himself to you, breathing more of His life into your spirit.  Mark my words, that will be the most fulfilling and rewarding part of your experience with prayer, more so even than the answers to prayer you are sure to receive.  Fellowship with God, trust, confidence, peace, relief-these wonderful feelings will be yours as you learn how to pray."  Bill Hybels, Too Busy Not to Pray

     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.

     MAKE MONEY MEET PEOPLE!

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     SHARE YOUR FAVORITE WEBSITES

Tell us what sites you find enjoyable and why.

BBC: What's Your Personality Type?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind/surveys/whatamilike/index.shtml

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.)

We put the "k" in "kwality"

Min. Frank Coleman, Editor

[email protected]

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