Connecting man to man to God
For week of February 15, 2009
Issue 240


“Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Cor. 4:17-18
 
 
     CONSIDER
“We do not need more intellectual power, we need more spiritual power. We do not need more of the things that are seen, we need more of the things that are unseen.” Calvin Coolidge
 
 
     TRUE VALENTINES
by Dr. Michael A. Halleen
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God." (1 John 4:7)
 
Valentine's Day. This love business is a tricky thing. In western culture, we have it all wrapped up with emotion, as though love springs from liking someone enough to have warm feelings toward them. In fact, love is a way of acting toward another, regardless of feelings.
 
Mr. Alwin was my English teacher in high school and director of the junior class play in which I had a role requiring me to kiss Sally Brunzell. Inexperienced at sixteen, I had never kissed a girl before, and my first attempts in rehearsal were evidently awkward even beyond what's expected in a high school play. Mr. Alwin called Sally and me into his classroom after school one afternoon and told us we had to improve. "I want you to practice here and now," he said, "until you get it right!" He judiciously kept the door open and remained at his desk while we went to the back of the room to practice.
 
"No, no, no!" he said loudly after our first faltering attempts. "What's the matter with you, Halleen?" (The fault obviously was mine.) I mumbled something to the effect that I could kiss Sally better if we loved each other. "Feelings have nothing to do with how to kiss her!" he roared from across the room. "This is for the stage!" He proceeded to give me specific direction on the proper techniques of a stage kiss. It was the first time I had to think about separating feelings of love from actions of love.
 
A few years later, while in college and living with my widowed grandfather, I asked him about something we had read in a student Bible study about loving God. I confessed that I was having a hard time mustering up any feelings for God. "Love for God has nothing to do with feelings," this wise veteran preacher told me. "To love God is to obey God. It's about what you do, not what you feel."
 
Mr. Alwin's classroom and my grandfather's dinner table were two places where I began to understand love's reality. Feelings come and go, but actions can be carried out with a degree of consistency. If love demands that I feel warm and cozy toward an enemy, or even a friend, I'm lost. But if it requires only that I act in a way that is kind and truthful, whatever my feelings, there's hope. And that's the love to which God calls us. That's being a *true* valentine.
http://www.mikeysFunnies.com


     MANY CHRISTIANS CLAIM UNBIBLICAL SPIRITUAL GIFTS, SURVEY FINDS
A surprising number of Americans who said they were familiar with spiritual gifts identified ones that are not listed in the Bible as gifts, a new survey finds.
 
About one-fifth (21%) of respondents who said they’ve heard of spiritual gifts claimed to have gifts such as a sense of humor, singing, health, life, happiness, patience, a job, a house, compromise, premonition, creativity, and clairvoyance -– ones that are not among those deemed to be spiritual gifts in the passages of Scripture that teach about gifts, according to a Barna Group report.
 
The report is based on three nationwide surveys that included 1,006 adults in 1995; 1,003 adults in 2000; and 1,006 adults in 2008. In each survey, the first question related to spiritual gifts was limited to people who had described themselves as Christians. The follow-up question regarding what spiritual gifts they possessed, if any, was limited to people who said they had heard of spiritual gifts.... Read this in full at
http://www.christianpost.com/Society/Polls_reports/2009/02/many-christians-claim-unbiblical-spiritual-gifts-survey-finds-09/index.html


   A COMPELLING REASON FOR RIGOROUS TRAINING OF THE MIND
by John Piper
I was reading and meditating on the book of Hebrews recently, when it hit me forcefully that a basic and compelling reason for education -- the rigorous training of the mind -- is so that a person can read the Bible with understanding.
 
This sounds too obvious to be useful or compelling. But that’s just because we take the preciousness of reading so for granted; or, even more, because we appreciate so little the kind of thinking that a complex Bible passage requires of us.
 
The book of Hebrews, for example, is an intellectually challenging argument from Old Testament texts. The points that the author makes hang on biblical observations that come only from rigorous reading, not light skimming. And the understanding of these Old Testament interpretations in the text of Hebrews requires rigorous thought and mental effort. The same could be said for the extended argumentation of Romans and Galatians and the other books of the Bible.... Read this in full at
http://www.christianity.com/Home/Christian%20Living%20Features/11599389/


     LENT 2009
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25.
 
 
     TAKE STOCK OF YOUR LIFE
by Warren Wiersbe
I once saw a quaint inscription of a gravestone in an old British cemetery not far from Windsor Castle. It read:
"Pause, my friend, as you walk by;
As you are now, so once was I.
As I am now, so you will be;
Prepare, my friend, to follow me!"
I heard about a visitor who read that epitaph and added these lines:
"To follow you is not my intent,
Until I know which way you went!"
 
 
     GALLUP POLL: FEWER THAN 4 IN 10 BELIEVE IN EVOLUTION
Charles Darwin would have been 200 tomorrow, an event that Gallup is marking with a new poll showing that 39% of Americans believe in the theory of evolution. A quarter say they don't believe in evolution, and 36% say they have no opinion.
 
The strongest predictor of respondents' views on evolution? Church attendance.
 
In fact, Gallup's analysis says religiosity outweighs educational level in shaping views on evolution, even though those with the most education are far more likely to support evolution than those with the least. Just 21% of respondents who had up to a high school level of education believe in evolution, compared with 74% of those with postgraduate degrees.
 
But Frank Newport, Gallup's editor in chief, says religion is the determining factor: Previous Gallup research shows that the rate of church attendance is fairly constant across educational groups, suggesting that this relationship is not owing to an underlying educational difference but instead reflects a direct influence of religious beliefs on belief in evolution.
 
Among weekly churchgoers, 24% believe in evolution, while 41% do not and 35% have no opinion. Among those who seldom or never attend church, 55% belief in evolution, while 11% do not, and 34% have no opinion.
 
Look to the question of how many Americans believe in Darwin's theory of natural selection, and the numbers shrink further. Gallup puts that number at 14%, while the Pew Research Center puts it at 26%. Both organizations put the number of Americans who favor creationism at about 43%, higher than the proportion than believes in evolution, according to a recent Pew report.
http://www.usnews.com/blogs/god-and-country/2009/02/11/gallup-darwins-birthday-poll-fewer-than-four-in-ten-believe-in-evolution.html


     SECULARIST GROUP POSTS 'PRAISE DARWIN' BILLBOARDS
A secularist group is observing the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin with billboards that urge people to "Evolve Beyond Belief." The Freedom From Religion Foundation placed "Praise Darwin" billboards in Grand Junction; Dayton, Tennessee; Dover, Pennsylvania; and Whitehall, Ohio. They feature stained-glass designs and a picture of the evolutionary theorist born on Feb. 12, 1809. The Tennessee and Pennsylvania towns had landmark court cases about the teaching of evolution. Many in the religious right believe in "intelligent design" — a literal interpretation of the Bible that questions Darwin's theory of evolution. The Wisconsin-based foundation is made up of agnostics and atheists opposed to government displays of religion.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-02-10-darwin-secular_N.htm


     BEING CHRISTIAN IN A SCEPTICAL CLIMATE
by Simon Barrow
Of late I've spent a fair bit of time talking to humanist and secularist groups about religion and public life. Since Ekklesia's agenda is based on commitment to a post-Christendom vision of the Christian faith which is about empowerment and example, rather than manipulation and domination, we often find common ground in a critique of oppressive religion and on particular proposals for breaking down the barriers this can create.
 
Indeed, sometimes it is easier to talk about 'post-Christendom possibilities' to people who reject 'religion' (as they see it) than it is to those who embrace it enthusiastically -- especially in the Christian fold, where many have been brought up on the unhealthy combination of a depoliticized Gospel (whose radical edges have been blunted by a false 'spiritualization' or a naive approach to the Bible) together with an ideologised understanding of the church (one which has done a deal with governing authority, and thus has to neutralize the subversiveness of its founding dynamic.)
 
That said, when humanists and atheists meet a Christian with whom they realize they have much in common, this can lead to confusion. On both sides. When I spoke at an otherwise very congenial Humanist meeting in London recently, I found myself challenged for being "not sufficiently Christian." Though it wasn't immediately clear what that meant to them, at least one person clarified it by saying, "You seem humane and rational, so I don't understand how you can still believe in Christianity, to be honest." .... Read this in full at
http://ekklesia.co.uk/node/8550


     NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
"The particular faith that motivates each of us can promote a greater good for all of us," President Obama said Feb. 5 to a crowd of several thousand people gathered for the National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton in the nation's capital. "Instead of driving us apart, our varied beliefs can bring us together to feed the hungry and comfort the afflicted; to make peace where there is strife and rebuild what has broken; to lift up those who have fallen on hard times."
 
A dozen foreign leaders attended, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who delivered the keynote address.
 
Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) read from Scripture, Rep. Ike Skelton (D-MO) delivered a prayer for national leaders, Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) delivered a prayer for world leaders, and Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) delivered the closing prayer. Casting Crowns, a Christian rock group, performed at the event.
 
The National Prayer Breakfast, currently co-chaired by Reps. Vern Ehlers (R-MI) and Heath Shuler (D-NC), is a yearly event held in Washington, D.C., on the first Thursday of February each year. The event has taken place since 1953 and every U.S. president since Dwight D. Eisenhower has participated in the breakfast.... Read this in full at
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog_post/this_is_my_prayer/


     BROADCAST MINISTRIES FEELING ECONOMIC PINCH
Digital podcasts and streaming video might bring Christian audiences inspirational messages in the future, but they aren't bringing in the cash that broadcast ministries need to weather a painful economy. To make ends meet, religious broadcasters are tightening their belts and going back to basics. That means sticking with time-tested formulas, postponing innovations and counting on loyal (largely senior) audiences to keep donating even when it hurts.... Read this in full at
http://www.latimes.com/features/religion/la-et-religioustv7-2009feb07,0,4907351.story?track=rss


     MOHLER CONTRASTS YOUNG, OLD EVANGELICALS
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Al Mohler recently gave his views on the difference between younger and older evangelicals in an interview with Salem Radio's Hugh Hewitt. Asked about how evangelical leaders contrasted with students at his seminary when it comes to the November election, Mohler said: “The older evangelical leadership is in danger right now of looking really old, and old not just in chronological terms, but more or less, kind of acting as if the game hasn't changed, as if we're not looking at a brand new cultural challenge, and a new political reality. And so I would say that the younger evangelicals that I look at every single day, and they are so deeply committed, so convictional, they're basically wondering if a lot of the older evangelical leaders are really looking to the future, or are really just kind of living in the '80s while the '80s are long gone. So I think there's a crucial credibility issue there.” Read the interview in full at
http://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/mohler/11599399/


     LEADERSHIP TIPS (BUSINESS, FAMILY, LIFE)
Interview with Dr. John Piper, a graduate of Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.Theol.). Dr. Piper is the Pastor for Preaching & Vision at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, the founder of Desiring God, and the author of more than 30 books.
Q: What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your effective use of time?
A great tree will fall with many small chops. Pray for daily grace to keep chopping.
 
Q: What single bit of counsel has made the most significant difference in your leadership?
A: Lead by helping people see the same truth in the Bible you do so that commonly perceived truth is the fabric that binds together. When truth is not the bond, power moves are inevitable.
 
Q: Where in ministry are you most regularly tempted to discouragement?
A: My own recurrent sins are the most discouraging thing in ministry. Next are the sins and sorrows of my family.
http://www.sovgracemin.org/Blog/post/Meet-John-Piper.aspx


     VERSE TO PONDER
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 3:3-4
 
 
     CONSIDER
“Jesus Christ is end of all, and the center to which all tends. Whoever knows Him knows the reason of everything.” Blaise Pascal (1623-1662), Pensees [1660]
 
 
     THE REAL SCANDAL OF RELIGION
by Michael Gerson
I recall sitting at a Kigali restaurant with a Tutsi woman who described the death of her younger sister, a university student, during the Rwandan genocide. The girl had been given up for murder by one of her own teachers, who was a nun. The survivor across from me, previously a Catholic, had never attended church again. In the sacrifice of the Mass, she could only see the sacrifice of her sister.
 
Many items on the list of horribles laid at the door of religion are libels or exaggerations. But this charge--the indifference or complicity of many Christians during the great genocides of modern history--is one of the genuine scandals.
 
In Hitler's Germany, Christians responded to mass murder with general acquiescence and only isolated defiance. Protestants earned the most shame. In the Evangelical Lutheran Church elections of 1932, so-called 'German Christians' won two-thirds of the vote--and later praised the fight 'against the political and spiritual influence of the Jewish race.' Catholic leaders were less overt in their anti-Semitism, but hardly heroic in their resistance--usually accommodating rather than confronting the Nazi regime. 'Charity is well and good,' said one Vatican official at the time, 'but the greatest charity is not to make problems for the church.'
 
During the Rwandan genocide, writes Timothy Longman, 'Numerous priests, pastors, nuns, brothers, catechists and Catholic and Protestant lay leaders supported, participated in, or helped to organize the killings.' Two Benedictine nuns collaborated with Hutu militias in the murder of 7,000 people just outside their convent grounds. A priest participated in the burning and bulldozing of a church with 2,000 men, women and children inside.
 
It is very difficult to understand how those who worship a man on a cross could help to drive the bloody nails themselves. But the record is clear: When religion is infected by racism, ideology or extreme nationalism, it can become a carrier of hatred instead of conscience. And when churches are concerned mainly for their institutional self-preservation, they often end up neck-deep in compromise or paralyzed by cowardice.
http://townhall.com/columnists/MichaelGerson/2009/02/06/the_real_scandal_of_religion


    'FIREPROOF', 'CHRISTMAS CHOIR' WIN $100K AWARDS FOR MOST INSPIRING ENTERTAINMENT
Faith-based movie “Fireproof” added another notch to its string of successes winning the $100,000 Epiphany Prize for the most inspiring movie of 2008 on Feb. 11. Every year around Oscar time, Movieguide hosts its Faith & Values Awards Gala, where the media ministry unveils its annual report to the entertainment industry and awards the best family-friendly movies and TV shows of the previous year, as well as the most moral and Christ-centered films for mature audiences. This year’s event drew over 400 studio executives, celebrities, producers, filmmakers, television artists, faith-based leaders, opinion leaders, and their guests, as well as nearly 100 representatives from national and international news media.... Read this in full at
The Ten Best 2008 Movies for Families
1. WALL-E
2. FIREPROOF
3. THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN
4. BOLT
5. JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH 3D
6. NIM’S ISLAND
7. KUNG FU PANDA
8. THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX
9. MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA
10. HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3: SENIOR YEAR
 
The Ten Best 2007 Movies for Mature Audiences
1. IRON MAN
2. GRAN TORINO
3. VALKYRIE
4. CHANGELING
5. THE LONGSHOTS
6. THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL
7. EXPELLED: NO INTELLIGENCE ALLOWED
8. TYLER PERRY’S THE FAMILY THAT PREYS
9. MARLEY & ME
10. HENRY POOLE IS HERE
http://www.christianpost.com/Entertainment/Events/2009/02/-fireproof-christmas-choir-win-100k-awards-for-most-inspiring-entertainment-12/index.html


     SAVING NARNIA
Disney's announcement that it was abandoning the Chronicles of Narnia series has disheartened many fans around the world, but it may be too soon to give up hope on the series, especially with news that 20th Century Fox plans to pick up where Disney left off. By going back to the drawing board and learning from key mistakes of the past, the series can still be saved, but it will be a difficult and painful road. Here are 10 suggestions to make that happen:.... Read this in full at
http://bullypulpit.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=418:saving-narnia&catid=46:bully-pulpit-blog&Itemid=70


     THE PURPOSE OF PAIN
by Adrian Rogers
We all experience pain, and even suffering at some time in our lives. While our natural reaction to pain is to avoid it, get rid of it, or numb it; we need to realize that God allows pain. In fact, our suffering is a sign of God's love. Let me explain.
 
After Adam and Eve sinned, after the infection and sickness of sin came into this world, God said to them, "Cursed is the ground for thy sake..." (Genesis 3:17). He didn't say, "for your punishment," but, "for your sake, for your welfare." The worst thing that could have happened would have been for them to have lived in paradise with a sinful nature and be immune to pain, because pain is the signal that something is wrong and needs to be fixed.... Read this in full at
http://www.christianity.com/Home/Christian%20Living%20Features/11599385/


     HUMANS ARE HARD-WIRED TO BELIEVE IN GOD
Religion is part of human nature and our brains are hard-wired to believe in God, scientists believe. The evidence includes studies of babies and children which have shown the brain is programmed to think of the mind as being separate from the body.... Read this in full at
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1136482/Brains-hardwired-believe-God-imaginary-friends.html


     FOR THE FIRST TIME, CHRISTIANS IN QATAR WORSHIP IN CHURCH
When the Rev. Tomasito Veneracion arrived in this Muslim nation 7 years ago, his Roman Catholic parishioners prayed in small groups scattered in apartments, schools, and one tiny makeshift chapel. At Easter, Indian Catholics gathered in one place, Filipinos in another, Arabs in yet another. But with last year's opening of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, his congregants for the first time had a recognized, central place to worship. On Christmas Eve, 15,000 attended a midnight mass, with those who couldn't cram into the 2,700-seat church watching on video screens outside.... Read this in full at
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0209/p01s01-wome.html


     ADVICE ON EATING MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
If eating fruits and vegetables were easy, then there would not be such a massive obesity problem in the United States. Unfortunately, fruits and vegetables can be expensive, time consuming to prepare, and frankly, a less appetizing option than other convenience foods.
 
One of the biggest reasons that people avoid fruits and veggies is because they take too long to wash and prepare. Spend a few minutes on Sunday evenings cutting up fruits and veggies and putting them in individual containers or bags. Throw them in the refrigerator or freezer and use them in your cooking and baking all week. You can also throw them in your briefcase or work bag for quick snacks. Below are some examples as to how you can use these pre-cut goodies during your busy week.
 
-Add vegetables every time you make eggs for breakfast. Try spinach and mushroom omelets, green and red pepper frittatas, or egg sandwiches with a slice of tomato or onion.
 
-If you prefer a sweet breakfast, add fruit to cereal or on top of frozen waffles.
 
-Toss a baggie of frozen fruit in a blender with a cup of yogurt and some ice for a refreshing smoothie. Get creative with your flavor combinations.
 
-Toss in some veggies every time you make pasta or stir fry.
 
-Serve a side salad with every dinner. Mix things up by using different veggies and even fruits in your daily salads.
 
Some people can’t even find a few minutes to prepare food on the weekends. If that’s the case for you, buy frozen produce and use them as indicated above. Here are more ways to incorporate fruits and veggies without spending any extra time.
 
-Buy pre-cut fruit and vegetables from your local grocery store. Whole Foods Market may be pricy, but they have an amazing selection of fruit and veggies.
 
-Enjoy canned fruit for daily snacks.
 
-Buy fruit cups at fast food restaurants and coffee shops. Snack on the fruit throughout the day.
 
-Find smoothie shops that use only fruit and natural ingredients and treat yourself to an occasional drink. Watch out for hidden sugar and extra calories.
 
-Drink vegetable juice such as V8 or V8 Splash.
 
Fruits and veggies are a great part of any diet, and once you start adding them to your daily routine, you will realize it’s not that hard after all.
http://advice.com/adviceoftheday/article/2009/02/09/Advice+on+Eating+More+Fruits+and+Vegetables


     CONSIDER
“Nothing that you have not given away will ever be really yours.” C. S. Lewis
 
 
     VERSE TO PONDER
“It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others.” Ephesians 2:10 (The Living Bible)
 
 
     THIS WEEK'S HYMN: STRENGTHEN FOR SERVICE, LORD
The words were inspired by a prayer said by a deacon during the Lord’s Supper in the Liturgy of Malabar, a 5th Century Nestorian rite of the Mar Thomas Christians on the southern coast of India; translated from Syriac to English by C. W. Humphreys and Percy Dearmer, 1906
 
Strengthen for service, Lord, the hands
That holy things have taken;
Let ears that now have heard thy songs
To clamor never waken.
 
Lord, may the tongues which ‘Holy’ sang
Keep free from all deceiving;
The eyes which saw Thy love be bright
Thy blessèd hope perceiving.
 
The feet that tread Thy holy courts
From light do Thou not banish;
The bodies by Thy body fed
With Thy new life replenish.

>from CyberHymnal at
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/t/stren4sv.htm


ON PRAYER
“Prayer enlarges the heart until it is capable of containing God's gift of himself.” Mother Teresa (1910-1997)


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.

Book your next vacation with us!
Http://www.ChristianConnectionTravel.com

Books, Music & More!
http://www.ChristianConnectionBooks.com

Get your domain name here!
http://www.GoGlobalDomains.com

Let me show you how to earn money as you travel!
http://www.earnGlobalVacations.com/
It's as easy as 1-2-3!


SHARE YOUR FAVORITE WEBSITES
Tell us what sites you find enjoyable and why.

Introductions to the Books of the Bible
http://www.ibsstl.org/niv/studybible/

100+ Free Sports Apps for the iPhone
http://mashable.com/2009/02/06/free-iphone-sports-apps/

Missouri Skies
http://www.missouriskies.org/

(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.)


Aspire to inspire before you expire.
Min. Frank Coleman, Editor
[email protected]


Thanks for welcoming CONNECTIONS into your in-box!


Subscribe!
Subscribe to CONNECTIONS here

Get Archives of all past issues here:
http://www.geocities.com/frankcoleman/connections/archives_all.html

Check out my blog