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Connections
Connecting man to man to God! Week of February 24, 2008 Issue 196
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:35 & 37
CONSIDER "Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life's problems fall into place of their own accord." J. I. Packer
BE A DIFFERENCE-MAKER "No wonder the early Christian church was known as the Way. It was a way of life that stood in glaring contrast to the world. What gave the early Christians integrity was the fact that they could denounce the empire and in the same breath say, "And we have another way of living. If you are tired of what the empire has to offer, we invite you into the Way." Even the pagan emperors could not ignore the little revolution of love. Emperor Julian confessed, "The godless Galileans feed our poor in addition to their own." And the Way had little cells multiplying all over that ole empire. Of course, everyone was forewarned that in this kingdom everything is backward and upside-down -- the last are first and the first are last, the poor are blessed and the mighty are cast from their thrones. And yet people were attracted to it. They were ready for something different from what the empire had to offer." Shane Claiborne, The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical
INSIGHT FOR LIVING WEBPAGE FOR MEN Being a godly man has never been more challenging -- or more necessary -- than it is today. Immersed in stereotypes that paint men as either weak-kneed wimps or muscle-bound brutes, the biblical view of Christlike manhood has not fared well. And those Christian men who try to base their lives on biblical principles often meet tough resistance.
As a man, what does God want from you? How does the biblical picture of manhood manifest itself in the 21st century? Insight for Living can help you address tough topics facing men today, from God's expectations for male leadership to overcoming sexual temptation and sin. Be equipped with tools to transform your imperfect image of manhood to the image of the perfect Man, Jesus Christ. Visit http://www.insight.org/site/PageServer?pagename=topical_men
BASIC RULES FOR DAILY LIVING 1. Take 20 minutes by yourself at the beginning of each day. 2. Live above small troubles by losing yourself in big, worthwhile interests. 3. Grow every day; life is a game; keep your eye on the ball, rather than on the scoreboard. 4. Have power to see things through; keep remembering that most accomplishments are three-fourths drudgery, and one-fourth joy. 5. Alternate your interests. It is better to be busy than bored. Balance your life with work, play, love, and worship. 6. Be gracious to others; do kind deeds beyond the call of duty; remember that every person is fighting a battle. 7. Talk over your problems with others- with confiding friends, your doctor of medicine, your minister, your God. 8. Work and co-operate with God, praying that God will do something through you rather than for you. Thomas Kepler
A TRIBUTE TO FREDERICK BUECHNER by Kristyn Komarnicki It isn't his birthday, and he didn't just die, so why the tribute to novelist/theological muser/pastor Frederick Buechner? Because he writes things like this:
"If the world is sane, then Jesus is mad as a hatter and the Last Supper is the Mad Tea Party. The world says, Mind your own business, and Jesus says, There is no such thing as your own business. The world says, Follow the wisest course and be a success, and Jesus says, Follow me and be crucified. The world says, Drive carefully -- the life you save may be your own -- and Jesus says, Whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. The world says, Law and order, and Jesus says, Love. The world says, Get, and Jesus says, Give. In terms of the world's sanity, Jesus is crazy as a coot, and anybody who thinks he can follow him without being a little crazy too is laboring less under a cross than under a delusion" (from The Faces of Jesus, originally published by Simon & Schuster in 1974, rereleased by Paraclete Press in 2006).
Buechner's gut-level honesty -- both about his own spiritual failings and doubts and about Christ's attractive/repulsive call on our lives -- has gained him a loyal following among the warts-and-all crowd. I just started rereading The Book of Bebb (Harper & Row, 1979; reissued in 2001), Buechner's delightfully earthy yet heaven-gazing tetralogy about a couple of con artists (a preacher and his alleged apprentice) who bumble into faith and grace. And it fills me with hope for the state of "Christian" art and with joy over the way Christ's salvation can sneak into the tiniest cracks in our armor and seep into our souls, sometimes without us even realizing it, until it's too late, and we wake up saved, wondering how we got here.... Read this in full at http://www.esa-online.org/Article.asp?RecordKey=AE655132-53B0-461D-9F5D-594BE25DBC2D
TRANSCENDENT "So what is it about the Bible that causes people to give their lives for it, causes oppressors to try to destroy it, and so infuriates the cultural elite today? Clearly, the Bible is unique. Over the centuries many great books have been written, including those by Aristotle, Plato, Shakespeare, Cervantes, and on and on; they have had an influence, of course. But no book has ever caused the controversy aroused by the Bible or invited such severe resistance or inspired its followers to such extraordinary actions.
"The reason is what the Bible claims for itself. Although it is in many respects a book like many others, a collection of ancient writings that includes a variety of genres from historical narrative to introspective philosophy, it is much more; it purports to be the Word of God itself. Through this book God speaks, giving us an understanding of reality that transcends anything that can be envisioned by the human mind alone (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17)." Charles Colson, The Faith: What Christians Believe, Why They Believe It, and Why It Matters
APOLOGISTS ASK CHURCHES TO STEP UP RESPONSE TO MILITANT ATHEISM As more atheist-centered books and movies make their way to mainstream culture, two best-selling Christian apologists are encouraging churches to better equip their congregation to respond to what they call a more outspoken and "confident" atheism. "The arguments are not really new but the ferociousness" with which atheists are lobbing their attacks "are coming much stronger," Mark Mittelberg, author of Becoming a Contagious Church, said in a teleconference for pastors who are interested in updating their churches' apologetics approaches amid an onslaught of pro-atheist books and movies in recent years. Lee Strobel, author of the bestselling The Case for the Real Jesus , agreed with Mittelberg that many Christians are raised to believe in doctrine but are not adequately taught on why their faith is true or how to support their faith with evidence. "Churches need to help them reach out to their friends, colleagues and family members with the good news of Christ" using data that supports the good news as true, said Strobel, a former atheist.... also see
AMERICANS EMBRACE VARIOUS ALTERNATIVES TO A CONVENTIONAL CHURCH EXPERIENCE AS BEING FULLY BIBLICAL The latest Barna study shows that a majority of adults now believe that there are various biblically legitimate alternatives to participation in a conventional church. Each of 6 alternatives is deemed by most adults to be "a complete and biblically valid way for someone who does NOT participate in the services or activities of a conventional church to experience and express their faith in God." Those alternatives include engaging in faith activities at home, with one's family (considered acceptable by 89% of adults); being active in a house church (75%); watching a religious television program (69%); listening to a religious radio broadcast (68%); attending a special ministry event, such as a concert or community service activity (68%); and participating in a marketplace ministry (54%). Smaller proportions of the public consider other alternatives to be complete and biblically valid ways of experiencing and expressing their faith in God. Those include interacting with a faith-oriented website (45%) and participating in live events via the Internet (42%).... Read this in full at http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdateNarrowPreview&BarnaUpdateID=292
LEADERSHIP TIPS (BUSINESS, FAMILY, LIFE) "The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet." Theodore M. Hesburgh
VERSE TO PONDER "He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends." Proverbs 17:9
CONSIDER "A crumpled rose-leaf, a gleam in the water lit up by sunset, a child's happy smile, waken in me the conviction that, as I am looking out upon Nature, so there is Another gazing on me." William Barry
A FRANCISCAN BENEDICTION May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships so that you may live deep within your heart
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace
May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy
And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world so that you can do what others claim cannot be done to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
OXFORD PROBES WHY PEOPLE BELIEVE IN GOD University of Oxford researchers will undertake a $4 million study to investigate why people believe in God. The university's Ian Ramsey Center for Science and Religion will bring together anthropologists, theologians, philosophers, and other academics for a 3-year study on whether belief in a divine being is an inherent part of mankind's makeup.
"We are interested in exploring exactly in what sense belief in God is natural," said Justin Barrett, a psychologist and leading member of the research team, according to the Church of England Newspaper. "We think there is more on the nature side than a lot of people suppose."
The researchers will develop a "scientific approach" to why mankind believes in God and other issues around the nature and origin of religious belief. The study will also look into which religious beliefs are most common and most natural for the human mind to grasp.... Read this in full at http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080220/31271_Oxford_Probes_Why_People_Believe_in_God.htm
TREASURES IN PRISON CELLS by Bill Yount It was midnight. I wanted to sleep, but God wanted to talk. His question made me restless. "Bill, where on earth does man keep his most precious treasures? I said, "Lord, usually gold, silver and diamonds are kept under lock and key." God spoke: "Like man, my most valuable treasures on earth are also locked up." I saw Jesus standing in front of seemingly thousands of prisons and jails.
The Lord said, "These have almost been destroyed by the enemy, but these souls have the greatest potential to be used and to bring glory to my name. Tell my people, I am going this hour to the prisons to activate the gifts and callings that lie dormant in these lives that were given before the foundation of the earth. Out from walls will come forth a spiritual army that will have power to literally kick down the gates of Hell and overcome satanic powers that are holding many of my people bound in my own House.".... Read this in full at http://www.aboundinglove.org/outreach/or-025.php
ODE TO SPELL CHECKERS I have a spelling checker I disk covered four my PC. It plane lee marks four my revue Miss steaks aye can knot see.
Eye ran this poem threw it. Your sure real glad two no. Its very polished in its weigh, My checker tolled me sew.
A checker is a blessing. It freeze yew lodes of thyme. It helps me right awl stiles two reed, And aides me when aye rime.
Each frays comes posed up on my screen Eye trussed too bee a joule. The checker pours o'er every word To cheque sum spelling rule.
Bee fore wee rote with checkers Hour spelling was inn deck line, Butt now when wee dew have a laps, Wee are not maid too wine.
And now bee cause my spelling Is checked with such grate flare, There are know faults in awl this peace, Of nun eye am a wear.
To rite with care is quite a feet Of witch won should be proud, And wee mussed dew the best wee can, Sew flaws are knot aloud.
That's why eye brake in two averse Cuz Eye dew want too please. Sow glad eye yam that aye did bye This soft wear four pea seas.
HA! A woman was working in her yard with the weed whacker, when she accidentally cut off the tail of her cat. She ran screaming into the house, and told her husband, wondering what to do. He replied calmly, "Get the cat, and the tail, and we'll take them to Wal-Mart." She was incredulous. "How could that possibly help?" she asked. "Well," he replied, "they're the world's largest retailer."
CONSIDER "I take nothing for granted. I now have only good days or great days." Unknown
VERSE TO PONDER "I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39
THIS WEEK'S HYMN: JESU, OUR LENTEN FAST OF THEE Words: pre-13th Century; translated from Latin to English by John W. Hewett (Verses by a Country Curate, 1859) and the compilers of Hymns Ancient and Modern Music: Christopher Tye, 1533
Jesu, our Lenten fast of Thee We duteous learn to keep, A healing time, by Thy decree, For all Thy wounded sheep.
A time in which towards paradise, Once lost by carnal sense, The souls redeemed by Thee may rise Through chastening abstinence.
Now with Thy Church be present, Lord, In all Thy saving grace, And hear us as with one accord Mourning, we seek Thy face.
Most Merciful, forgive the past, The sins which we deplore; Thy sheltering arms around us cast, That we may sin no more.
To Thee our sacrifice we bring Of Lenten fast and prayer, Till, cleansed by Thee, our God and King, Thy Paschal joy we share.
Grant this, O Father, through Thy Son, And through the Spirit blest, Who art with Them forever One, Eternally confessed. >from CyberHymnal at http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/o/jolfthee.htm
ON PRAYER "Beware in your prayer, above everything, of limiting God, not only by unbelief, but by fancying that you know what He can do." Andrew Murray (1828-1917)
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.]
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Music using ONLY sounds from Windows XP and 98 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsU3B0W3TMs
Any married man should forget his mistakes -- there's no use in two people remembering the same thing. Min. Frank Coleman, Editor
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We offer 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.
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