tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036759420343288092024-03-12T22:52:41.881-07:00Evangelist Jon LeightonAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831583056275872158noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703675942034328809.post-56007033735823963612017-04-14T09:32:00.001-07:002017-04-14T09:32:34.834-07:00THE COMMONS VS SOCIAL HALL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><br />Those who know me know I am a huge fan of "The Why" over "The What." I'll get on a kick where I study an individual or a particular organization, not necessarily because I love WHAT they do, but because I'm fascinated by WHY it works. Several years ago I moonlighted as a medical equipment technician during a tough time in ministry. Part of that job required being able to disassemble power wheelchairs and hospital beds and fix the broken pieces. One principle I came to understand quickly is that if you don't know why something works when it works, you won't know how to fix it when it breaks. <br /><br />Christianity. The Church. Both operate under this same principle. We love the joyous user experience when it has that new-car smell and requires no maintenance. For a time, these vehicles transport our spirit to great places and we have no problem recruiting others to hop on board with us. But with mileage plus some wear and tear, pieces start to malfunction. Because we never studied WHY they worked, we fail to truly diagnose what has gone wrong.<br /><br />A few months ago I stepped into my fifth "church flip" project. As a consulting pastor, when a church is struggling to navigate transitions of all sorts, they require some intentional coaching and Christ-filled TLC. I'm sure we will walk through many of the lessons here in the coming days, but one stood out to me in particular today. <br /><br />In this facility, one of the first places a guest stepped foot in, especially if they were dropping off children, was a long room. In it was mostly storage, junk, dingy paint, and tile from your grandma's house. Decades ago, it was the "social hall" for this assembly prior to multiple additional building phases. So, when people referred to this space, many called it "The Old Social Hall." Buildings matter because people matter. And names affect perception. So, we began an overhaul of this highly important space, and with the renovations came a new name: "The Commons."<br /><br />The Commons will be equipped with couches for fellowship, lighting for enjoyment, coffee for non-morning people, and decor that says "welcome home" to anyone who walks through the door. Makes perfect sense to you and I, though for many there was an uproar! One even complained about the fact that they believed in the Holy Spirit inspired name: "The Old Social Hall." <i>(Sarcasm added for emphasis....though its not far from the truth.)</i> So, if you're a pastor facing a situation like this, I'd like to give you the reason we have a commons and no longer have a "social hall." <br /><br /><h3>
<b>Because true Christ followers would rather be a part of a church where the mission is for everyone to know Christ rather than go to a church where everyone knows each other.</b></h3>
<br />I love church dinners and anything that involves free dessert as much as anybody! Don't get me wrong, I'm not despising the history that brought us to where we are today. But it is my earnest desire that the church grow so deep in discipleship that the width of their small group reach could not fit combined into a social hall. When our focus is on BEING the church rather than GOING to church we view the church house as a starting point, a gas station if you will rather than a rest area destination. "Back in the day," it was through church socials and Sunday School classes that discipleship was done effectively, families did life together, and souls were reached for Christ and plugged into the church. But decades of unmonitored use and undiagnosed depletion turned what was the means to the end into "the end." That which was the vehicle for the commission became our great focus. In other words, "social" took the place of "salvation" in most churches.<br /><br />So, If you're looking for a social hall gathering, I'd like to recommend Bingo night at the community center or karoke at Applebees. But as for me and my house, we want to create environments that draw people into a passionate journey of new life in Christ. Welcome to the Commons, where rich or poor, old or young, black or white, we have a common taste for coffee and donuts. A common problem with sin. A common solution in salvation. And a common community of souls to win.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831583056275872158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703675942034328809.post-58686059867979783822017-01-23T11:04:00.001-08:002017-01-23T11:04:11.363-08:00An Open Letter to Barron Trump...PK to PK
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Dear Barron,</div>
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<br />
You have been the brunt of several jokes lately and the topic of many gossip
columns and targeted tweets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On behalf
of the American people,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I apologize for
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dad has never been the
president of the United States,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but I’ve
grown up in a spotlight very similar to yours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So PK to PK (pastor’s kid to president’s kid) I hope to shed a little
light on the struggles you currently face, and the road ahead. <br />
<br />
1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve got to let people be people…<br />
A pastor once gave this little nugget of wisdom to my dad, and followed that
phrase by saying “…and most of them are stupid.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all know the intended sarcasm but, at
times, truthful humor in that sentence. I used to see on television that people
are generous and understanding at their core.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And while I know that each human was created to be that way, I’ve come
to understand that we live in a fallen world where people deal with a carnal,
sin nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are often the product of
our context.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, considering that people
have been raised the past couple generations in a world of participation
trophies, “everybody wins” sports,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>low
academic standards,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hand-outs, and
mostly poor parenting,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it makes complete
sense to me that people are attacking you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Poor leadership/upbringing combined with an unredeemed soul will lead to
the type of comments you’ve received.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>People forget that we are all people…and you’ll have to just let people
be people.<br />
<br />
2. “The first homeschool shooter”<br />
First of all, let me say… “WHAT THE???!!!” This was completely
unacceptable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The very same crowd that
jeered at your father for making blanket statements about particular types of
people are the ones who make those exact same comments about you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Politics aside, you did not vote.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You did not choose in which family to be
born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You said nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You did nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of your perceived personality on
public television, they want to label you and mock at you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its ignorant talk filled with malicious
intent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Mini Donald”<br />
I know that this phrase comes from your mother and has been/will be used both
to praise you and put you down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can
easily recall dozens of accounts where I was mocked because of my similarities
to my father and grandfather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At times I
ran full-force toward that persona; at other times I ran as fast as I could
away from it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ultimately,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who you are is your decision to make.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is no one else’s business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is your parent’s job to raise you and
train you, but no one gets to decide your future for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I, like you, was raised in an environment
that gave me advantages to step quickly into a particular occupation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I HATED being told that I would probably
follow in my father/grandfather/great-grandfather’s footsteps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had not yet decided whether or not I could
or would assume that type of role in leading the lives of hundreds, now
thousands of people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cliché as this
phrase has become,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>allow me to say,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Barron… You do you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Figure out what you are passionate
about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spend your growing up years
learning what makes you tick. What are the things that wake you up in the
morning and motivate you to live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>when the opportunity to
pursue those things presents itself,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>take it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But don’t live in anyone
else’s shadow or feel intimidated to do anything you don’t want to do. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re not “mini Donald.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re not the next “Donald Trump.” You are
the first Barron Trump. You be the best you that you can be. <br />
<br />
4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Living in the Spotlight<br />
I’ve touched on this a little bit already,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>but let me express how much I completely understand what’s going through
your mind right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The struggle is
real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You had no idea a year ago that
your dad would be in charge of the fate of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In many cases, I had no idea which direction
my family would go and who they would be leading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a big deal knowing that your parents
make decisions that affect the lives of other’s… I get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And for that,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>many will try to buy your friendship in hopes of getting to your
parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many will hate you because they
hate your parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there are a few
who genuinely love just you for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cling to those people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t let
someone become your “friend” and then prove himself to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let him first prove himself a friend before
you let your guard down and allow him into that emotional safe space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People watch every yawn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They scrutinize every facial expression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They judge parenting skills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they largely use you as a pawn in their
political game to gain leverage over your dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You may not have yawned because you didn’t want to be there,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>maybe it was because you stayed up late
playing video games with friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or,
maybe you didn’t want to appear on national television with your father while
he was on work related duty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who
cares?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll never know… and its none
of our business.<br />
<br />
5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have an important job<br />
Being a PK comes with great privilege and power, therefore it comes with its
share of responsibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you’re
just ten years old, but hear me out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your job is equally as important as your dad’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People will never know the stress of being a
PK…because they’ve never been one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your
dad carries work home with him; he’s never off the clock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People watch you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People judge you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But take a moment to realize the great
advantages we share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We get to sit at
tables with powerful men in our fields of influence and hear their stories and
form bonds of friendship because of our dad’s job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have insider access into the workings of
our organizations, and because of our family,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>we have the opportunity to do more, faster than anyone else ever
could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day you are allowed to step
into the world of social media,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you’re
already an instant celebrity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kid’s
parents may be fixated on yours,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but
their kids who are still too young to vote will be largely influenced by you in
your teenager years in the White House.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make
every post, tweet, photo, and video count.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Use your platform to encourage kids to be kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take this life-changing opportunity and run
with it to change the world for kids all over our country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re looking at you… and they’re waiting
with expectant ears to hear from you in the coming days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Show them that you aren’t a stereotype. <br />
<br />
Ultimately,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>work on those facial
expressions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re going to be on
television a whole lot more in the coming days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even when your dad’s speeches are boring or crazy (believe me, I speak
from experience) pretend to be all in to whatever he’s saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t take any heat over not holding your mom’s
hand…she should have known better than to try that stunt with a pre-teen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t let people look down on you because of
your dad’s failures… and don’t let people try to be your friend just because of
his success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re our “first kid” now…
so don’t forget to be one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you’ll
mess up, and having people waiting to watch you do so doesn’t make life
easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But learn to laugh it off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People view you differently because of your
dad,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and people will learn to view your
dad differently because of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t
wait to see what you do to change the world. <br />
<br />
Your friend, <br />
<br />
Jon Leighton Groves, II<br />
<br />
P.S.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you ever need someone to talk
to,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>your dad’s the president….I’m pretty
sure he can get my number for you. <o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831583056275872158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703675942034328809.post-81588050693440260262016-09-10T00:00:00.000-07:002016-09-10T00:00:00.147-07:00Limitless: when they heard THIS! <br />Acts 2<br />37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?<br />38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.<div>
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I just couldn't leave Acts chapter 2 yet! You NEED to go read the whole thing today! Peter unashamedly preaches the gospel of the resurrected Christ. He lays blame for his crucifixion on this people. He denounces any power that many might credit to their lineage; all power belongs to God. Peter didn't preach an "easy-believism" sermonette. He downplayed that in which so many had trusted. He proclaimed a risen Savior. He bore witness of that which Jesus had done. </div>
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"Now when they heard THIS, they were pricked in their heart..." </div>
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Friends, I don't have a long or super deep thought to give you today. I have no hidden gem or buried truth to present. I see in this scripture a simplistic thought that challenges my heart: The message of Christ still changes hearts. It wasn't a self-help podcast that made the difference. It wasn't a fluffy, feel-good talk delivered by a social media personality. It was simply the gospel.</div>
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The Spirit did the work and pricked their hearts. The question arises, as a result of what they've heard and felt, "what do we have to do?" The answer was simple and at the birth of the local New Testament church, the world would forever be altered. </div>
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If it's that simple, why do we make it so hard? Why have we limited our witness to the walls of a church building? Why are we scared that we won't know what to say? What is limiting us from telling the world this good news? THIS is what we need to be telling everyone! If someone can predict his own death and resurrection then actually pull it off, I'm going to believe whatever he says. </div>
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Then, to see how my heart has been stirred toward the repentance that has changed the trajectory of my downward spiraling life makes me all the more willing to tell anyone within earshot. JESUS STILL SAVES! There's a world out there waiting to hear what you have to say. Don't limit the power of the gospel. And surely don't put a limitation on the word of your testimony. #WeAreLimitless</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831583056275872158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703675942034328809.post-37227902004365819342016-09-08T00:00:00.000-07:002016-09-08T00:00:22.790-07:00Limitless: PUI - Preaching Under the Influence<br /><br />Acts 2: 12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?<br /><br />13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.<br /><br />14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:<br /><br />15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.<br /><br />16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;<br /><br />17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:<br /><br />18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:<br /><br />19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:<br /><br />20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:<br /><br />21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I wish we had the space and time to put several chapters worth of scriptures here, but we will keep it to these few verses. In context, Jesus has already come and gone, and the Holy Spirit has been poured out over the disciples. Acts 2 is where we find what most refer to as "The Day of Pentecost." Pentecost literally means "the fiftieth day." It was the second of the three great Jewish feasts, celebrated at Jerusalem yearly, the seventh week after the Passover, in grateful recognition of the completed harvest. Side Note: I love how God always does things in order and brings them to completion. <div>
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As the disciples begin to speak, the Holy Spirit interprets their words into multiples of languages listed in the chapter. Everyone heard the word in their own language. While some were amazed, as in most situations, there had to be a nay sayer. Some said, "these guys are drunk!" You can probably hear the whispers of, "oh yeah...those disciples...bet the got ahold of the new wine." Personally, if said "new wine" makes my voice be understood in multiple languages, I'll have what they're having! Imagine the ease at which I could now order in the drive-thru! </div>
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But Peter, ready not only to save face, but also deliver a word, says, "HOLD UP! We're aren't drunk! It's just the third hour of the day!" In other words, "uhhh guys...it's only 8am. No way we've been drinking this early." Being the sarcastic person that I am, I'm sure I would have been the one to respond to Peter something like: "Ohhhh okay! Give it a few hours." </div>
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I know you're wondering why I've belabored the whole "drunk point." Here's why: The power of the Holy Spirit was so strong on these men that it was noticeable! They acted differently! They talked differently! I've been around some drinking people in my lifetime, and those who've had the "new wine" are typically pretty excited party people. So why is it that the original power of the Holy Ghost made these men appear to be drunk but most of us appear to be dead? </div>
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I wonder if we couldn't tap into that Holy Spirit power today? Not to be limited by our personalities, comfort zones, or insecurities, but so dramatically affected and empowered by that same Spirit that people take a step back and wonder what's up. We've been shyly peaking through the peep hole of our box for long enough. It's time to shed that fear and be limitlessly excited about our faith. </div>
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#WeAreLimitless</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831583056275872158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703675942034328809.post-7854308665134705552016-09-07T00:00:00.000-07:002016-09-07T00:00:40.600-07:00Limitless: Confession Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuI_SvENl7QE07Fbst6nppCnlLSXMQX2jI7mRR38DJOo08ZTeqbEj_1WRpx4th-a38Qwq4A9G59dQWO-uxyfMUxhappZmaGid1MqjEzugDc6UXzi-9xElxs7G5BBuf-7rY7wvAdhyCuYq/s1600/limitless3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuI_SvENl7QE07Fbst6nppCnlLSXMQX2jI7mRR38DJOo08ZTeqbEj_1WRpx4th-a38Qwq4A9G59dQWO-uxyfMUxhappZmaGid1MqjEzugDc6UXzi-9xElxs7G5BBuf-7rY7wvAdhyCuYq/s320/limitless3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Romans 10: 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Okay Christian, it's confession time. No, please don't comment your sins below...it would take way too long to read through all those comments. Not to mention how depressing it would be fore most of us. It's Christ confession time. I've noticed a trend in the "Christian realm today. We're happy to go to concerts and lift our hands and sing. We're excited to sit in small group and "be real" with the church people. But throw a Christian in the middle of a group of strangers who obviously don't have a relationship with Jesus, and that girl from small group who always "just wants to share and be transparent" is totally silent. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Whoa! What happened? We went from "please shut that girl up...there's no way God said that much to her while she was having her devo's at Starbucks" to lucky if she hands them an invite card to church for fear of being mocked or looked at funny. I think the major reason most of the world is skeptical of our faith is because most of us are silent about it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I'm not telling you that in order to be saved you must visit Jehovah's Witness training camp and ask everyone you meet if they know where they would spend eternity if they died today. There's no magic number of doors you have to knock to level up your faith. We don't confess Christ in order to be saved, we confess Christ BECAUSE we're saved. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I believe a major breakdown in the American church is those who believe "in" Christ and those who believe "on" Christ. It's easy to spot which side of the equation most people are on based on their level of embarrassment when they see the pastor in public. Believers are not limited by the stares of the skeptics or the cackle of the cynic. #WeAreLimitless </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831583056275872158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703675942034328809.post-20334430486535417672016-09-06T00:00:00.000-07:002016-09-06T00:00:16.272-07:00Limitless: Your Cross<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGqB_DBHfT6jOej2DdM1Y-nC3T8MNKcFphXtegxjub1TZPF_guUTJb-uiBC_5HJ_uB9KS1DfxvwN0jQAMpkRKeFZE8HeGs-G-P79PFnvz6TRzcEwcps7N-kyMDjNgd5QpbNvfTGBImbe2/s1600/limitless2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGqB_DBHfT6jOej2DdM1Y-nC3T8MNKcFphXtegxjub1TZPF_guUTJb-uiBC_5HJ_uB9KS1DfxvwN0jQAMpkRKeFZE8HeGs-G-P79PFnvz6TRzcEwcps7N-kyMDjNgd5QpbNvfTGBImbe2/s320/limitless2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br />Matthew 14:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.<br /><br />I always thought it was scary reading or hearing, "To follow Christ you have to give up everything." We're talking scared to death as a kid that God would call me to be a missionary in a hut village of Africa. I'm light skinned and red-headed. I love the outdoors, but the outdoors doesn't love me. Nightly prayers included, "Dear God, I want to want to follow you anywhere, but I'm scared to death. Please don't ask me to go to Africa."<br /><br /><br />Can I give the passage some context? Jesus is rebuking Peter in the verse prior for savoring the things of men instead of the things of God. In the verse following our text, Jesus asks what it would profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul. He is not implying that you will miss out on the comforts of technology or that you will be required to live in misery in order to be an effective witness. Jesus is challenging the disciples that in order to glorify God we must learn to deny ourselves. Not thinking less of ourself, but thinking of ourself less. Recognize that you surrender your selfish ambition to the will of God and where he leads.<br /><br /><br />We all have a different cross to bear. God's calling on our life, cross and all, are in complete alignment with the passion and personality he has created you with. Your cross will never be outside the context of God's calling. But now that we've breathed a sigh of relief, can I ask you a question? Are you willing to surrender everything? I'm not threatening that Christ will take it all away, I'm simply asking if you're willing to give it away if He asks.<br /> <br /><br /><br />It's all about perspective. I cannot lose what I've already lent to the Master.<br /> <br />#WeAreLimitless</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831583056275872158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703675942034328809.post-45859382757946721982016-09-05T12:04:00.001-07:002016-09-05T12:04:19.455-07:00Limitless: Water Walking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgli3ukSrzpxgpbeUBkn9vdvFCTI74ZpZc6d1CkYvBmYgF7Dew5U2hP7QVX_247KR2Z648w4xfzhxM7fu9fHPoxyE-yf8SbzPbRZBXCm0YDbGgYF3KHVQodg2K6Vs6h0tyKBELHYkMoXbe/s1600/LIMITLESS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgli3ukSrzpxgpbeUBkn9vdvFCTI74ZpZc6d1CkYvBmYgF7Dew5U2hP7QVX_247KR2Z648w4xfzhxM7fu9fHPoxyE-yf8SbzPbRZBXCm0YDbGgYF3KHVQodg2K6Vs6h0tyKBELHYkMoXbe/s320/LIMITLESS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Matthew 14<br />25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.<br />26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.<br />27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.<br />28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.<br />29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.<br />30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.<br />31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?<br />32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.<br />33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.<br /><br /><br />You've heard sermons and lessons on this Scripture SO many times... don't look at the waves...just look at Jesus....etc. I'm not here to minimize the power of your focus, but can we agree to give Peter some props here? The dude had never seen someone walk on the water before. Jesus had never spoken about walking on the water. I mean...it's Jesus, he can do what he wants. But me? Nahhh... I'm human. At least that's what most of us think like.<br /><br /><br />Against all odds, Peter makes a crazy request and gets a scary response. "Lord, if it's you...tell me to come to you. And Jesus tells him to come! At this part in the movie, the ship disappears and Peter's first surfing lesson and extreme wipeout are in full-focus. But pan the camera back and notice that inside the boat are 11 scared men sitting on the sidelines. Guys who served the same Jesus, sitting in the same ship, in the same storm, looking at the same Savior, hearing the same speech all sitting idle.<br /><br /><br />Real Talk: That's probably more like you and me. It's easy to critique the water-walker from the safety of our comfort zone. We pray, "Dear God give us safety, comfort, and joy," never realizing the miracles that can happen when we're brave enough to pray dangerous prayers. Then, at our request, God always provides a word to walk on. Faith comes from Christ, and we lack faith because we lack the ability to pray for it.<br /><br /><br />What's your ocean? You know, that place just outside your comfort zone that seems immeasurably deep and dangerous? Deep down you want to conquer it like others have, but maybe you've been content just watching from the fellowship of comfort. Can I challenge you today to pray a dangerous prayer? For instance, "God, please do whatever it takes today to draw me closer to you." Shhhhh...just wait.... Listen for a word. Then, when God speaks, trust him enough that you won't drown, even amid the sinking feelings of your own doubt.<br /> <br /><br /><br />#WeAreLimitless</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831583056275872158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703675942034328809.post-69455942021119978752016-06-15T07:16:00.000-07:002016-06-15T07:16:13.739-07:00Straight Pride & The Straight Pride Flag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br />I watch...saddened and sickened as those condoning and advancing the homosexual agenda march under color of a rainbow banner. The symbol they believe to express inclusivity and acceptance is, in fact, a reminder of the promise of God that succeeded history's most tragic loss of life.<br /> <br /><br />Scripture commends us that "As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." - Matthew 24:37. In days when the depravity and sin of mankind caused God to regret that he had made man, no man gave thought to the judgement of God. The earth was filled with violence will a people simultaneously enjoyed lifestyles of gluttony and excess. In other words, welcome to the United States of America.<br /> <br />And while the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/rainbow?source=feed_text&story_id=1409182545763471">#Rainbow</a> is a sign of God's peace and promise, it also serves as a reflection of the judgement, righteousness, and power of God.<br /> <br />Friend, I want you to understand that we are living in the time scripture refers to above. Noah's commission was to build an ark of safety, preach a message of warning, and live a life of purity. Your job is to offer access to the fellowship that will rescue your life, preach a message of salvation and righteousness, all the while living a life of separation and conviction.<br /> <br />Those who "accept" the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/lgbt?source=feed_text&story_id=1409182545763471">#LGBT</a> community are without doubt sending LGBT's directly to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/hell?source=feed_text&story_id=1409182545763471">#hell</a>. If you TRULY want to LOVE them...preach the truth of the gospel IN love. God is equally truth, justice, and loving. Don't hide the gospel. Share it boldly.<br />------------------------------<br />So today, I'd like to publicly raise my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/straightpride?source=feed_text&story_id=1409182545763471">#StraightPride</a> flag, pictured here. But understand this: it's not pride for anything that I have done. It's a confidence in the agenda of the King and his redemptive work in me.<br /> <br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/blue?source=feed_text&story_id=1409182545763471">#Blue</a> - to represent fidelity. Faithfulness to our king and His cause.<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/white?source=feed_text&story_id=1409182545763471">#White</a> - In order to have true victory and freedom, we must surrender to the creator of the world.<br /> <br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/red?source=feed_text&story_id=1409182545763471">#Red</a> - My sin was scarlet, but the crimson stain of Christ's blood washed me whiter than snow. He died for my sin... and from the church pew sinner to the abomination of the LGBT community...we have ALL sinned, and come EQUALLY as short of God's glory. It takes the SAME AMOUNT of blood to save me as it does the homosexual.<br /> <br />I'm inviting you to be straight....Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:14<br />Friend, sad as it may be...and as hard as this will be to swallow...there's only ONE gate... and I'm here to tell you that it's straight. Jesus said it. That settles it.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831583056275872158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703675942034328809.post-60754262364908820012016-06-12T11:25:00.000-07:002016-06-12T11:25:01.915-07:00I Had An Affair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was exhilarating at times. Wrapped up in the emotions of the moment I found whisked away in what seemed to be another world. I wasn't tied down there; I had no real responsibilities in this relationship. I could turn here when it was convenient and turn my back when the feelings of commitment became too much. After all, I wasn't married to this relationship. I could enjoy the "highs" and when I found myself in lows of desperation, I could return to these loving arms for assistance, but nothing and no one required me to stay. Friends, this was a weekend fling. An affair. Emotional but far from eternal.<br />
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Could this relationship be something more? Should it? I mean...it was definitely commitment material... but would that ruin the good thing we had going? What could life look like if I found myself married in a relationship like this? The life I was living was surely failing, and I was looking for something more. In a sea of people just like me, I still found myself completely alone. I'd married wrong too quickly before and my pride told me I could stick it out and make this work...I could be married to one during the week, and pretend with the other on the weekend.<br />
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As we loosely held hands and did our best to blend into the weekend crowd, so many just assumed we were married. People spoke to us as if we were and it felt good to pretend. Occasionally I would glance around and notice those who were truly in a committed relationship. When I spoke to them, it didn't matter what emotions they faced or hardships they might be enduring, they were perfectly content, satisfied, and complete in their relationship. In fact, to separate them from this commitment would be as if to delete their very identity. No longer two separate entities...they were one. And I wanted that. If I continued to juggle these two, one would soon discover the other, and half of the life I had built would have to die.<br />
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Then....it happened. In little more than a moment, conviction gripped my heart. It had been building for quite some time. I was living a lie. So we walked the aisle and found ourself at the altar of the church where everyone knew us. It was the right thing to do. Divorcing my past, my addictions, and selfish aspirations, I would say "I do" to the one who would stay with me through better or worse. <br />
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And now, as I stand under the roof of that same church, I look around with knowing eyes. I see you. When it comes to worship, your life looks more like an affair; A weekend fling with moments of intense emotion but not an ounce of sustainable discipleship. You're married to your job, your visions of grandeur, and a past that blackmails you into staying even when you want to leave. But friend, your relationship with Jesus Christ can be so much more! It can be an eternal marriage that persists no matter the level of emotion. Whether you've been courting the idea of commitment for some time or you're just realizing the implications of your affair, Jesus invites you today to say "I do." <br />
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What does your worship look like? An affair or a marriage? A fling or a forever? Jesus will take you as you are to be his bride. He will transform you into his very image, presenting you until himself spotless and loved. You've committed your time to the wrong things for so long. And from someone who's been there, let me tell you that commitment is where it's at. The rewards far outweigh the difficulties. You've dated long enough. He's been faithful. So why don't you?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831583056275872158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703675942034328809.post-7400924761478348992016-05-22T07:04:00.002-07:002016-05-22T07:04:30.619-07:00Relationship Tips For Men: 3 SIGNS YOU'RE READY (or nahhhh)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You ready to date? Or nahhhh… </div>
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I apologize. Once Nash Grier started saying it, I couldn’t drop it. In my heart of hearts, I’m a Magcon Viner. And, for those of you who are lost already….let’s just move on. </div>
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Every year it seems the “dating age” gets younger and younger. I used to laugh as middle schoolers talked about “going out.” But in a couple weeks I’ll listen to junior campers tell their dating stories. Hollywood has given us a wonderful picture of a fictional, impossible dating world. We have the Disney channel to thank for adolescent expectations…and don’t even get me started on the Hallmark Chanel. (Insert Eye Roll Here) </div>
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For the sake of the series, lets agree that the purpose of dating is to discover and cultivate skills and eventually relationship that will lead to a life of marriage. </div>
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So guys, how do you know if you’re ready to date? At what point should the search begin? </div>
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God shows us THREE important preliminary qualifications to relationships. To see those, go to the first relationship in Genesis chapter 2.</div>
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THE PRESENCE OF GOD</h2>
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God made the man and put him in the garden of Eden. The word Eden is a complicated word in its original form, because it carries the connotation of multiple meanings. While Eden was a literal garden, this word also implies “delightful place” or “open door.” Eden is a place where, for a moment, there is an open door on earth to God’s presence. Eden was more than a place. Eden was also an environment, an atmosphere, and in the very presence of God.</div>
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The first thing God gifts the man with is his presence. Guys, if you’re looking for a woman, the best place to meet her is in the presence of God. If she isn’t in the presence, let me promise you, she is NOT God’s present for you. Don’t try to find her elsewhere and drag her into the presence. Meet her there.</div>
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A JOB</h2>
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Genesis 2:15 “And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.” God made man, and then put him to WORK! #Priorities You don’t need a woman before you have a job. And notice his job description: dress it and keep it. Notice God didn’t give man a finished product, he commissioned him to cultivate it. </div>
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First of all, women are expensive. Just take my word for it. Not only that: the woman you are picturing in your mind. She doesn’t exist. There’s no such thing. (Unless your qualification list is limited to “breathing.) Your job is , as one pastor put it, is to “take the raw material and cultivate her into the person you desire.” If you’re married and reading this, and you don’t like the person you’re married to, cultivate her! Don’t like the way she dresses? Take her to the mall (not Goodwill). Don’t like how she looks? Buy a gym membership and take her with you! </div>
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Jesus has a bride. Her name is Ecclesia. And if you don’t think these ideas on marriage are accurate, see the New Testament for a detailed list of how Jesus presents his bride to himself. (Ephesians 5) People LOVE to quote Eph. 5:25 “husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” That is….until they see HOW he loves his bride: Sanctifies her, Washes her with the word, presents her unto HIMSELF without spot or wrinkle. </div>
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All that to say: if you can’t hold down a full-time PAYING job, there’s no way on earth you’ll be able to maintain your full-time leadership position in a relationship. </div>
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GOD’S WORD</h2>
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Genesis 2:16-17 God gives ADAM some very specific instruction, don’t eat of the fruit of one particular tree. God doesn’t give instruction to Eve (she hasn’t been created yet). It is Adam’s job to communicate God’s word to his wife. The problem with so many relationships today is that the woman knows more Word than the man, and the man isn’t qualified or able to lead. </div>
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Read your Bible! As you’ve probably discovered, relationships are not successful unless both parties are communicating. I promise if you aren’t in God’s Word allowing Him to speak to you, there’s no way you’re faithfully talking to him. If you’ll develop fluid lines of communication with Jesus, you’ll find that your earthly relationships will thrive from the overflow. </div>
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THEN, God says “It is not good that the man should be alone: I will make him an help meet for him.” </div>
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It is not good for the man who is in the presence of God, working (able to cultivate), and able to teach the word of God to be alone. </div>
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Until you have those three, NO, you’re not ready to date. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831583056275872158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703675942034328809.post-85313607572423435622016-05-20T13:25:00.000-07:002016-05-20T13:25:40.186-07:00Relationships For Men: The Myths<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I’m breaking the silence…mostly because I can’t stand to watch it anymore! Social media is inundated with posts “to the girl who got her heart broken.” Daily, my news feed is saturated with dating tips for women, relationship advice for girls, and my favorite: passive aggressive posts about exes. And while I’m not saying ALL of those should stop, it is time for a balance in the blog-force. Because here is a fact that might blow some of your minds….ready?… girls/women/ladies are not the only hearts that get broken. Not only that - men are not the only ones who screw up relationships. </div>
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So, before we can dive deep into this series of postings, we must first debunk a few relationship myths. These postings will be largely geared toward men, but ladies you are welcome to follow along.</div>
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God has divinely appointed one woman for you to marry, and he will supremely guide you to her. </h3>
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I know, I know. You heard this growing up. In fact your pastor, youth pastors, and even parents preached it at you in an attempt to steer you clear of dating. But, good luck finding that principle in the Bible. We must be careful when speaking boldly about what God does and does not do, definitively. </div>
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I’m not saying He does not have a will for your dating life, but one of my favorite authors and preachers, Dietrich Bonhoeffer said it best: (In Summary) God joins the relationship between a man and a woman at the point of marriage. Before that, the couple has to take the initiative. Rather than directing the course of the relationship (removing your free will choice), God wants the couple to grow and learn how to make a commitment. Once they’ve done that, God increases his sustaining presence. </div>
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What if you accidentally in a moment of poor decision-making chose the wrong “one.” Then the one you were supposed to marry has to marry the wrong one. Then the one who was supposed to marry the one marries a different one…and before long, no one has the right one, and YOU screwed up the gene pool of the entire planet. Yeah…glad it doesn’t work that way!</div>
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So men, what are you waiting on? The holy glow and angel song is not going to magically appear over the predestined “one.” Your dating life is up to you. Choose wisely.</div>
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You plan to “date the Bible way.” </h3>
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I grew up an Independent Baptist preacher’s kid. I read all the books (forcefully) from “Every Young Man’s Battle” to “I Kissed Dating Goodbye.” My grandfather was famous in my high school for his cleverly alliterated phrase, “Dating is for dummies, but courting is for Christians.” </div>
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Let me be clear, there are no definitely Biblical principles for dating in the Bible. They didn’t date! They stayed single, courted, or enjoyed an arranged marriage. And from personal experience, I wouldn’t recommend following the antiquated Biblical format in our society. Want to know the best way to NEVER get a first date? Ask the girl’s father without consulting her first. YIKES! #LessonLearned </div>
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HOWEVER: There are biblical principles essential to dating. Galatians 5 has a list including gentleness, respect, purity, and kindness. Dating alone? Kiss before marriage? Hand holding? Sorry bud, the Bible doesn’t answer those SPECIFICALLY. But the boundary of conviction and purity is one you should clearly mark and not cross.</div>
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WRONG! I might have liberally used the number seven since it often represents perfection. But I hear this myth all the time. Does love often spring from friendship? Yes. The problem lies when a guy tries to befriend a girl while hiding his intentions. If you’re waiting for God to smack you over the head and tell you “she’s the one…start naming your children” that’s not faith…that’s fear of rejection. </div>
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I’ve been there. Done that. We had been friends for going on 10 years. We talked on the phone. I was there when she needed me. We loved all the same things. I thought she was perfect…and into our senior year I had watched her date guy after guy, and I was always there to pick up the pieces. Until I overheard her tell her friends, “oh, that’s just Jon. He’s like a brother to me!” Then one day, a guy not so different from me came along. He asked her out, and she said yes. (They’re married now.) </div>
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Don’t hide it. Be a man! Doesn’t matter if y'all never touch, wear hazmat suits, group date at church events, and observe the infamous 10 inch rule, “friends” and “dating” are categorically different and hold different expectations. Physical does not equal dating. Mutual intention does. </div>
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The Bible is explicit in its instruction to save sexual intimacy for marriage. But if you grew up in an environment like I did, your sexuality was a curse that must constantly be kept in check. Well……yes and no. </div>
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Your sex-drive is a part of who you are. If there were no attraction or drive, you’d probably eat yourself fat, win every level of Call of Duty, and perfect your couch to trash can throwing game. </div>
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God didn’t wire you this way to torture you. Don’t confuse sexual desires with sin. Yes, they can become sinful. But in their organic nature, they are a gift from God…and that makes them holy. Find a way to get that energy out in a holy and healthy manner before it forces its way out. Pornography and adultery are not the answer. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: an sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (James 1:15)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831583056275872158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703675942034328809.post-81669321155942467812016-05-05T08:00:00.000-07:002016-05-05T08:00:41.159-07:00What To Expect...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I pulled in the parking lot of the church, gathered my things and walked through the doors. The greeters were great, the people were friendly, and I was excited to preach to a packed house. Being a young evangelist, I’m used to hilarious questions..that, or people have no clue I am the guest speaker that day. So as this gentleman walked toward me, I was gearing up to give the most polite answer I could muster. </div>
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He shook my hand, and with a smile on his face asked, “You’re new aren’t you? Great to have you! Have you ever been to a church of this denomination before?” “Yessir, I have,” I replied. “Well GREAT! Then I have one piece of advise for you about our worship experience….whatever you’re expecting…EXPECT IT!” </div>
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I courtesy laughed at his joke, but conviction flooded my heart immediately. What was I truly expecting from this worship experience? When we walk through the doors of our church’s gather location, what are we seeking? Have we prayed for something specific? Are our eyes searching for the movement of the Spirit? </div>
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Scripture admonishes us regarding the church assembly in these passages:</div>
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- Psalm 122:1 <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">-Hebrews 10:25 </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.</span></div>
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- Matthew 18:20 <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">For </span><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">where</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">two</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">or</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">three</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.</span></div>
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So, in light of what God says about His church, His presence, and our preparation, here are a few things you can expect when you’re expecting: </div>
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<b>An Abundance of Joy in the People</b></div>
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When we are expecting a move of God, we’re filled with joyful anticipation. Go find any kid, load them in the car and tell them you’re taking them to Chuck E. Cheese, McDonalds Playland, or better yet, DISNEY! Now tell them to calm down and stay completely quiet…DON’T SMILE! Impossible. I think the reason we can’t truly smile or exude joy at any level on Sunday morning is because we have lost sight of what church can/could be like.</div>
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<b>Praise & Worship From The Overflow</b></div>
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I’ve spent over a decade of my life directly involved with the planning or execution of the worship experience. When people’s perspective is off, it takes at least three or four songs to get them in the right mindset, and just about the time you arrive at that place, it’s time to stop. There were some Sundays where we would do one or two songs before the sermon, and then three or four after the sermon. It was amazing to watch people praise differently after being at the altar. Expectant people don’t require acceleration time. Their praise and worship is from the overflow of what has already been taking place in their life throughout the week. It’s the difference between a recharge and a jumpstart. </div>
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<b>Actively Discipling and Inviting</b></div>
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Typically when you tell your kids about said exciting places listed above, first question will be, “MOM! CAN MY FRIEND GO?!” While Disney tickets may cost $200 a pop, hindering your caravan of friends from coming along, the happiest place on earth (the presence of Jesus) has NO ticket price! Expectant people have experienced the presence of God, and they can’t settle for anything less. They understand it’s power and are actively inviting people to experience. Not only that, as a result of His presence and power, they’re discipling others to walk in it as well.</div>
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<b>God Is On The Move</b></div>
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The focus of the verse is not the gathering, but the intent. Those who expect a move of God, gathered in HIS name, will experience that very promise. You’ll always find what you’re looking for, and those who seek the Lord will doubtless find him. Whatever you’re expecting…expect it! If you’re expecting the same old numb experience…well that’s what you’ll have. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831583056275872158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703675942034328809.post-69964533456340850592016-05-03T11:12:00.000-07:002016-05-03T11:12:27.427-07:00Objects In Mirror<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgTh-Lmf1XdejjwYpL-5gvg7MrQLvFM7S9l8oLRG9sMUGJ1eSjnUc8lUTjOjK6MoLZHrgEKgvQiQm6kVymIBEm8EVepkC0fgJvWwPrljBGH3GEMmiSmpQdF_gw1HtAaDxmKMEixt_vYYB/s1600/JLmirrorpost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgTh-Lmf1XdejjwYpL-5gvg7MrQLvFM7S9l8oLRG9sMUGJ1eSjnUc8lUTjOjK6MoLZHrgEKgvQiQm6kVymIBEm8EVepkC0fgJvWwPrljBGH3GEMmiSmpQdF_gw1HtAaDxmKMEixt_vYYB/s400/JLmirrorpost.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My grandpa put me in the church van when I was about ten years old, started it up, and told me I’d be driving it around the church parking lot: loading and unloading items for the church work day. This was far from the first time I had driven (thanks Aunt Jen), but the first time I’d be by myself. He pointed my attention to the side-view mirrors where was written, “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.” And with glasses in hand, and that look of wisdom in his eye he said, “Jon, you’ll think you have all the space in the world until your bumper is right upon the support beam for the tabernacle (outdoor pavilion)…don’t forget things are closer than they appear.”<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "cardo" , serif; font-size: 16px;">With schedules gone crazy and not a second to spare, we’ve found ourselves glancing quickly in a mirror. If everything looks okay, we go about our way. It's impossible to see the tiny flaws in our face or traffic swiftly approaching without pausing for a close inspection. But let's be honest...who has the time?</span><br />
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<strong style="color: #333333; font-family: Cardo, serif; font-size: 16px;">In James 1:23-24 we find hearers of the word, not doers. They’re likened unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. </strong><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "cardo" , serif; font-size: 16px;">From a cocky ten year old driver who looked to the mirror but thought he had all the room in the world to correct his approach to the hurried working class who glance at their face and move on forgetting what they looked like: We underestimate the closeness of the objects in the mirror. "It's not that bad." "I've got time." "I think there's enough margin." These excuses often become the death sentences of our lives and relationships.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "cardo" , serif; font-size: 16px;">God’s Word is a mirror. When we truly reflect on it, we realize the state of our natural man. We’re disheveled by sin, and marked by laziness. Sadly, most of us think we have time to correct. The things I read don’t apply to me…YET. I haven’t hit anything… I think I look okay. The things in God’s word don’t apply to me…yet.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "cardo" , serif; font-size: 16px;">Friends, don’t live your life by “yet.” Don’t hear without application. Don’t listen without learning. The objects in His mirror are closer than they appear.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831583056275872158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703675942034328809.post-14533830990763641642015-02-10T05:50:00.003-08:002015-02-10T05:50:54.366-08:00The Full Armor: The Sword<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJW8lcEL-nLgCf7U24bIzsDkJlAZXR7TVktFOsEVXcRKtPLfkEJbAfbLu-WbCHhC-q5J1J1kvrMgyFvhz-udmP36HouzvnsNLktZrAQtMXQIwmWk4xOchX27PyU75s19UhamG-YmT71WcE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-02-10+at+7.49.35+AM.png"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJW8lcEL-nLgCf7U24bIzsDkJlAZXR7TVktFOsEVXcRKtPLfkEJbAfbLu-WbCHhC-q5J1J1kvrMgyFvhz-udmP36HouzvnsNLktZrAQtMXQIwmWk4xOchX27PyU75s19UhamG-YmT71WcE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-02-10+at+7.49.35+AM.png" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />“…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”<br /> <br /><br />The juxtaposition of this piece of the whole Armor to the helmet of salvation is important, because it is the direct object of the verb, “take” or “receive.” This object is given to a soldier for use at his discretion. Paul goes so far as to clarify that this sword IS the word of God by way of the Spirit of God.<br /><br />Scripture always defines itself and backs itself up, and if you have been familiar with the Word for some time, or been involved in church for a while now, you have heard the verse: “The word of God is quick and powerful, sharper tan any two-edged sword. Piercing even to the dividing asunder of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”<br /><br />In a way, folklore had it right when describing the sword in the stone that the legendary King Arthur would pull to claim his throne. Many men of valor and strength had attempted this seemingly easy feat, only to find the sword unmoved. One day, a young lad pulls the sword with ease from its resting place, not because he was strong, but because he was righteous. The sword discerned him.<br /><br />Many Christians will spend their days attempting to discern the word of God. Seeking to pull it apart and claim prideful power. But, as these verses indicate, it is not your job to discern the word. The word was given to discern you. It pierces through all outward protection, and discovers the heart’s deepest thoughts and intents.<br /> <br /><br />This sword is no ordinary sword, and should be used with extreme caution. It reveals secrets as it cuts deep into the heart. It’s power cannot be faked, and its strength cannot be compared. There are those who attempt to wield this sword for their own benefit and pleasure, but the anointing power of the Spirit will always be evident and unmistakable in the lives of those who hold the Word of God dear. I learned as a child that a weapon should be equally appreciated and feared. Take comfort in knowing that the sword you carry knows your heart. Take caution; Maintain a righteous fear of the fact that the sword you carry….knows your heart. </span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiRzTFJKYCK-fRJkkplE0vnJZeBu_5wfjXHrJKi8mfXGi3HXklbFxkLAjJtohalD-soPqIW0JfjY_zitkSACZHa2yrkcHXK0cWTW5OgG710FH9CakynAXMCOaZuvWqQXxO7VNTOx870Qv/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-02-09+at+4.40.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiRzTFJKYCK-fRJkkplE0vnJZeBu_5wfjXHrJKi8mfXGi3HXklbFxkLAjJtohalD-soPqIW0JfjY_zitkSACZHa2yrkcHXK0cWTW5OgG710FH9CakynAXMCOaZuvWqQXxO7VNTOx870Qv/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-02-09+at+4.40.34+PM.png" height="264" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br />“And take the helmet of salvation…”<br /><br />One word jumped out at me in this piece of armor. I have probably read this passage at least one hundred times, but today I saw something I’ve never seen before. “Take.”<br /> <br /><br />Twice in the verses preceding, the word “take” or “taking” has been used. That word, “analambano” means “to raise up, carry, or use.” That makes perfect sense considering the application of the former pieces. Each of the other pieces of armor are optional. We choose each day to put them on, take them up, and put them to use. But salvation does not work that way on a practical daily basis.<br /> <br /><br />The word “take” here baffled me! So I pulled out my concordance only to realize it is an entirely different word! “Take the helmet of salvation…” Take, or “dechomai” means "to receive and take hold of.” BAM! There it is! I have received the helmet of salvation! I have taken hold of this gift, and no one can remove it from me!<br /><br />My salvation rests atop my head. It shields the command center for my body in an assurance that dispels fear of injury. The helmet is the only piece of armor that provides 360 degrees of protection. Attack me from the front, push me from the side, or sneak up on me from behind, I don’t care! The enemy cannot control my thinking, unless I let them in my head.<br /> <br /><br />There have been times where my faith has been weak. My unrighteousness has allowed sins darts to pierce my heart. I have run to hinder peace, and my movement hindered by untruth. In many ways, I have allowed the enemy access into different areas of my life. Those pieces of armor are personally developed, and daily strengthened. But this one…this one is different because it was a gift of the King. I do not own it. I did not make it. I cannot hide it. But I can trust it. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831583056275872158noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703675942034328809.post-90996917709559520642015-02-03T17:04:00.001-08:002015-02-09T14:41:16.080-08:00The Full Armor: Shielded By Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvXchNzNh4jhb82vkldyWtttGyY568U3dQmYmxegS4HqKorH9hdKsD9x8IROBtAIYOyN_kcIx_4cAVFbDBLwuw9NcECekORuRyIW8KVAA3yxT5rJgscM2bbYSI5uJ4MDfS9BR30oZuZ5m/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-02-03+at+7.02.56+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvXchNzNh4jhb82vkldyWtttGyY568U3dQmYmxegS4HqKorH9hdKsD9x8IROBtAIYOyN_kcIx_4cAVFbDBLwuw9NcECekORuRyIW8KVAA3yxT5rJgscM2bbYSI5uJ4MDfS9BR30oZuZ5m/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-02-03+at+7.02.56+PM.png" height="402" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br />An effective communicator may detail a plan of action or list various issues, but at the end of their talk, it is their intention that the listener walk away with one “main idea.” I can remember two pastors (Regier & Phelps) who poured into a teenage boy and helped develop my communication skills as a preacher. They both insisted that I sum up and entire message in one sentence. When the congregation gets up and walks away, what did they glean from your 20 to 40 minutes of communication.<br /><br /><br />Paul, one of history’s greatest communicators, delivers this list of armor with one caveat, “ ABOVE ALL, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” In other words, “right in the middle of this list I’m giving you, if you remember nothing else, take the shield of faith!”<br />I love the irony that not only is the shield of faith “above all” in importance, this piece of armor literally stands above all the others. A shield in this day was no “Captain America” circular disk. Rather they were large and heavy, often standing near five feet tall. The shield of faith does not have to be maneuvered with skill, it is a full-length protection we can hide behind. Faith shields our security in salvation right down to the peace we seek to hold. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />In a military advance against the enemy, they often seem to have the high ground. From their distant perch overlooking our lives they fire down fiery darts. I’m reminded of the James 3 passage, “Even so the tongue is a little member and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth. You see, the most dangerous darts are not often literal ones, but the little ones that search for holes in our faith. If you have ever given ear to gossip, you know that it does not have to be true to dilute your perception. It only takes a little fire...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />While advancing against spiritual wickedness in high places, armies would rally and use their shields to form a complete overhead covering. These shields that were often lined with tough leather had been dipped in water and treated with fat, so that when a dart touched them, it was immediately extinguished. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Once again, the symbolism is so great! Daily you must choose to dip your faith in the water of life, so that it is able to extinguish those darts. A shield of faith that is not treated can begin to crack, putting your life in danger, and the lives of your fellow soldiers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What, or rather, WHO is your faith in? Not just your hopes and dreams…what is your heart so deeply rooted in that you find safety beneath its shadow. Each day you must choose to guard your heart behind faith in Jesus Christ. Then, rally near soldiers who will lift their shield above your life. There is nothing more scary than being a lone soldier advancing toward fiery darts. But what a privilege to know that my fellow soldiers, the ones I love with all my heart, are standing beside me. No arrow can pierce me, or fire consume me, because I know beyond doubt that they stand beside me. My faith is more than my trust. It is my trust coupled with advancing action.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831583056275872158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703675942034328809.post-31048829513884350082015-01-27T19:15:00.001-08:002015-01-27T19:20:44.494-08:00The Full Armor: War And Peace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhaTq8Ciwyg4dDaoDSeNnpESDkBMdXVU7vxHYM6fHhutP1pnFiS-bR3DLGnG8cNKWaVxahuepvN4S04OalURlrkqXrjTRmD7Ygfdhe1bWfQeACMCBeulHDGX52hhcgbTNYh2QgiWFkoSZ6/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-27+at+9.00.25+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhaTq8Ciwyg4dDaoDSeNnpESDkBMdXVU7vxHYM6fHhutP1pnFiS-bR3DLGnG8cNKWaVxahuepvN4S04OalURlrkqXrjTRmD7Ygfdhe1bWfQeACMCBeulHDGX52hhcgbTNYh2QgiWFkoSZ6/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-27+at+9.00.25+PM.png" height="310" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /><i>And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;<br />Ephesians 6:15</i><br /><br />I must admit, I found this piece of armor to be the most perplexing and obscure of them all. My mind immediately referenced Romans 10:15, "...how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace..." and paralleled "shod" with preparing the way for the gospel. But, as we examine each piece of armor, they are presented as <i>state of being</i>, not a function. So, the Romans 10 parallel is inaccurate. Taking note that this is the only time in the New Testement that the word "preparation" is used, we will find this particular piece of armor to be of special significance. With armor's purpose implying war, we first uncover that <b>war must often precede peace. </b><br /><br />If you were to take a look at the sandals of a soldier during this period in history, you would find they were much more than a piece of flimsy material. These were heavy duty material, studded with nails, that allowed a soldier to have a strong foothold as he stood his ground. <b>In order to have peace, we must stand for peace, plant our feet, and refuse to grant the enemy what is rightfully ours. </b>No enemy, whether human or spiritual, can take your peace; only you can decide to give it away.<br /><br />In this passage, the word gospel (<i>euaggelion</i>) doubles in implication, pointing both toward <i>salvation</i> and its common meaning of "<i>glad tidings</i>." The word peace (<i>eirēnē</i>) is both the <i>peace of God</i>, and <i>tranquility between individuals</i>. Understanding the etymology allows us to see that those who wear the armor of God stand firm in pursuit of peace. Peace both with God, and with man. <b>To surrender our peace to the enemy is to render every other piece of armor useless as our life goes crashing to the ground. </b> The WHOLE armor was given to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to STAND. Each piece of armor is built upon our stand. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Satan and those he influences march in opposition of peace, because peace can only come from God; and God is not the author of confusion. Take for example the demoniac of Gadara in Mark 5. Here we find a man in torment. By virtue of his description, he serves as the polar opposite of peace. Parallel passages in the gospels indicate that no man could bind him, so they ceased from passing that way. Jesus brought to this man the gospel, and the city came out to find him at peace. Logic would suggest this city would be excited to know a threat no longer existed in their lives. Rather, a city of people who knew not the gospel of peace requested Jesus depart from their coasts. What they could not control, they chose to ignore, until God supplied peace. <b>Those who have no peace cannot tolerate those who do. </b>In fact, it scares them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Daily we must prepare and secure our feet on the foundation of the gospel, knowing that the enemy will strive to rob us of our peace. The greater your peace, the greater the battle. My great-grandfather used to tell me every Sunday morning as he shined my shoes and his, "you can tell a lot about a man's character by looking at his shoes." Though this made little sense upwards into my 8 years of knowing him, I now fully grasp the spiritual depth of his astute observation. It is more than scuffs or polish. If a man's feet are quick to spread discord, his mission is not of the Lord. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Daily there rages a war against peace; desiring each piece of you. Your mission is simple, to stand; Don't retreat. Each moment, put on that shoe. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831583056275872158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703675942034328809.post-30672952661770827542015-01-26T18:21:00.001-08:002015-01-26T18:22:08.878-08:00Dealing With Difficult People<span style="font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: large; line-height: 16px;">The book of Nehemiah serves as the personal narrative of a man filled with focus and facing foes. As we journey with Nehemiah in chapters one through five, certainly we find some extraordinary circumstances. As cupbearer to the king, his role was vital to the safety of the empire. Considering that the king not only allowed him to disband his post, but also funded the project for a culture in captivity defies all human logic. But isn’t that just like God?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As with any noble project, rebuilding the walls would not come without opposition. Any time God is up to something, the enemy will down it from the start. In Nehemiah 2:10 we find Sanballat and Tobiah hearing about the potential project and it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Right there is where many of us would stop. “Oh no! Someone does not like what I believe God is calling me to do. That must be a sign. I certainly don’t want anyone to not like me!” But verse 11 is one of my favorites in this narrative. “So I came to Jerusalem…” </span></div>
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<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">Opposition will always accompany opportunity</span></b></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">No pause. No second thoughts. As we read between the lines, we see that Nehemiah gave no consideration to those who had a problem with his vision. God’s calling is not contingent upon the concert of others. When you are presented with an attack, consider the source and selfish motivation behind the attackers. Then keep moving. If you don’t have any enemies, you probably aren’t doing it right.</span></div>
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<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">To Mock Or Malign Is Never Divine.</span></b></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The project continues on, and now in chapter four, the number of opposition has grown. Sanballat heard we builded the wall, and mocked the Jews. Then he speaks to his brethren, the army of Samaria, and Tobiah. The funny thing about gossipers is that their type has not changed in the last six thousand years. They feed off spreading rumors and accusations. Then, as they congregate together they begin to mock and call into question things beyond their knowledge: We are never more like Satan than when we attempt to accuse the brethren.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> a. Identity - “What do these feeble Jews?” People who are quick to point out the problems in others often have the most to hide.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> b. Insecurities - “Will they fortify themselves?” Those with deep rooted insecurities are driven to gossip when another sets out to conquer theirs. If someone else’s insecurities disappear, my weaknesses will be manifested.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> c. Invocation - “Will they sacrifice?” The enemy would love to claim the corner on the market of spirituality. Pharisaical sin disguised as sacrifice is quick to question the spirituality of another.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> d. Improvement - “Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?” Those harboring evil thoughts against another are unable to comprehend God’s restoration. That which they need most is often what they seek to hinder others from having. </span></div>
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<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">Oh no! Don’t Go To Ono.</span></b></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nehemiah chapter 6 holds a brand new list of enemies: Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem, and THE REST of our enemies! Now that they have observed, formed their case, and rallied to themselves those who would support their cause, they send for Nehemiah to meet in the plains of Ono. You will never accomplish anything by entertaining conversations with those who seek to do you mischief. Nehemiah does not even give these men the time of day! He responds via a messenger, and continues the work. “Why should the work cease while I leave it and come down to you?” </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The enemy will not come up to where you are, they only seek to drag you down to where they stand. “I’m hurt, angry, concerned…and you should be too!" One study suggests that the average American will spend 32% of their brain capacity attempting to debate or sway those who have wronged them and are no longer a part of their life. Imagine how much more we could accomplish for God if we refused to waste our time entertaining conversations with the enemy? You will miss what is happening while chasing what happened. When someone tries to bring you down into the gossiping fellowship of Ono… OH NO! Don’t go! </span></div>
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<li><b><span style="font-size: large;"> Private Persistence Soon Turns to Public Persecution</span></b></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Four different times we find the enemy calling for Nehemiah to come down to them, before the final straw. Sanballat sends an “open letter” reading, “It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews thing to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king…and now it shall be reported to the king according to these words.” One requests to Nehemiah, “Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple…for they will come to slay thee."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Several things I think it is important to note about the methodology of the enemy:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">a. An Open Letter - When anyone wrote a letter, the final step before sending was to melt the wax over the paper and give it an official seal. God calls Christians to confront problems first privately before taking it before the church. The enemy blasts opinion publicly in an attempt to rally like-minded haters. “I’m sending this open letter not only to you…but to the Facebook world, twitter sphere, your friends, and your family.” Why? Because I’m not so worried about the recipient of the letter or the factuality of the statements. It matters more that an abundance of people hear it, and call it into question with me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">b. “It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it..” I’m not sure this requires very much explanation! When an attack comes your way, CONSIDER THE SOURCE! Translated: “It is reported on the internet, and Glozell said it too!” I'm not all that interested in what the heathen have to say.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">c.”You think to rebel and become the king.” We have one servant of the king, doing a great work, with intentions to restore a city and return to his post. On the other hand we have a group of gossiping leaders trying to tell Nehemiah what to do. I do see someone who’s heart is set on being in control, but it is not Nehemiah. The imagination of an unrighteous attacker is limited to the bounds of their own secret sin. Often what the enemy accuses others of is what they are battling deep within their heart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">d. “And now it shall be reported to the king…” When the enemy cannot get their way with you personally, they will attempt to make your life miserable. We see this principle in the life of elementary students. “I’m gonna tell mom on you…” It doesn’t matter how old you are, that method is still just as immature, and ultimately ineffective. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">e. “Let us go into the temple…” Since Adam and the apple, the enemy has always attempted to use God as his cover and trap. Not all who come to you with “holy intentions” have actually sent by the Lord. More times than not, they have been hired by the enemy. Nehemiah perceives that he was sent to cause fear, which Nehemiah labeled as sin in chapter 6:13. If the enemy can cause you to doubt your purpose and succumb to fear, not only have they gained control of your mind, they have caused you to sin. There is no doubt they have been spiritually influenced, but just as 1 John 4 says, "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At the end of chapter 6 we find the enemies eyes cast down as they have to admit the work was wrought of God. Don’t waste your time trying to convince the enemy of God’s work. Spend your time doing God’s work, and let him be God. The power, blessing, and presence of God cannot be faked; and in the end, consider and compare who God is blessing and using.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831583056275872158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703675942034328809.post-87522170179491677122014-10-28T21:55:00.000-07:002014-10-28T21:55:00.347-07:00The FULL Armor: Righteousness Is Safe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOT-6XtBLEN3nDJ_vzd-4T8dGWY8XP04uQIIMbSD4i0sm3DAkFFtkQRtT1YaAxO2L9U1rd1lFP1hBRL98WEid-auRc2vh3ZZmfcRu85r5_E0NkLzoSgv8F48On5XWOhpXBN7RUryItAq4l/s1600/breastplate_of_righteousness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOT-6XtBLEN3nDJ_vzd-4T8dGWY8XP04uQIIMbSD4i0sm3DAkFFtkQRtT1YaAxO2L9U1rd1lFP1hBRL98WEid-auRc2vh3ZZmfcRu85r5_E0NkLzoSgv8F48On5XWOhpXBN7RUryItAq4l/s1600/breastplate_of_righteousness.jpg" height="382" width="640" /></a></div>
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The second piece in this series of armor is the "breastplate of righteousness." This would have been made from hard and durable materials like metal or tough leather sewn together. The breastplate covered everything just below the neck down to the naval, extending as far as each side. It's purpose is simple: to protect the vital organs from a forward attack. <br />
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Note that the breastplate did not protect against rear attacks, because a good soldier kept the enemy always before their face. Should the soldier turn away and attempt to retreat, they left themselves vulnerable to a sword or arrow. <br />
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In the Biblical realm, the breastplate is made of "righteousness." This word, <em id="yui-gen76" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial, helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">dikaiosynē </em>most literally means "a condition acceptable to God," or "right with God." While we recognize "there is none righteous" in and of themselves <i>(Romans 3)</i>, 2 Corinthians 5:21 shows us that we can be made the righteousness of God. Just as Ephesians 6 suggests, we can wear HIS righteousness.<br />
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Why would righteousness be a breastplate? Because sin's primary target will be the seat of your emotions, the source of life. Sin targets the heart. Holiness is the ultimate protection against sins of the heart. But there's a catch: It only protects from the front. Keep moving forward.<br />
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Righteousness is not a cloak we put on once. It is a daily fight, and death to self. It is a city of refuge and impenetrable wall save a personal choice to remove oneself from its protection. In order to utilize its strength a soldier must face the battle head on. Turning a blind side to the enemy even for one second opens your life up for extreme danger. All too often we flirt with the enemy, and though it seems harmless and safe - sin always brings death.<br />
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Righteousness is the second piece of our armor. When you wear a right relationship with the Lord your heart will always be safe. Don't take off the armor. Always work to keep it on. Face your sin. Kill it. The devil flees only by resistance. (James 4)<br />
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The truth makes free. Righteousness is safe.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831583056275872158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703675942034328809.post-61977639228212643082014-10-26T15:00:00.000-07:002014-10-26T15:00:01.886-07:00The Full Armor: PANTS ON THE GROUND<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In today's age of modern warfare depicted in news stories and video games, we often skim Ephesians six believing we have a firm grasp of it's meaning. We have equivocated it with medieval armor and explained it away as a simple metaphorical task. But upon further examination, we find the armor of God to be an in-depth daily process required for effective living.<br />
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Each piece of armor was given for a specific purpose, and presented in a specific order. Neglecting one piece, or attempting to assemble your armor out of order can lead to some very literal battle scars or fatal injuries. So, today let's take a look at piece number one. Ephesians 6:14 "Stand therefore having your loins girt about with truth..." In other words, Paul is saying, "don't go lookin' like a fool with your pants on da ground."<br />
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To understand each piece's specific purpose, we have to return to the culture and context of this letter to the Ephesian church, unfortunately it may not be the European chain mail we've seen in the pictures.<br />
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In this time, "loins" <em id="yui-gen44" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial, helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">osphys </em>implied more than just the waistline of an individual; It was the source of generative power. A person's loins were their ability to reproduce. Their future. Their spawn/creation. Everything that was to come came from the loins. 1Peter 1:13 implies that the "loins of your mind" are responsible for what reality you create. Literally speaking, that which you create comes from the loins.<br />
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To "girt about" the loins was a very important practice....and still is. I will never forget a particular skit I was a part of as a teenager. I was running a little late for the evening service and could not find the belt that I needed to match my clean pair of pants. So, I left my shirt untucked and thought no one would be the wiser; That is, until the "bad guys" picked my character up, and turned me upside down and began to shake as if my lunch money was going to fall out...Well, something fell out....ME!!! But my pants stayed in the air. And there in front of 300+ teenagers I learned the invaluable lesson that loins should always be "girt about." <br />
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In this Ephesian culture, the outer garment was loose, flowing robe-like material. If the loins were not girt about, the garment would hinder the movement of the soldier. Girting about your loins made sure that everything stayed in its proper place, movement was unrestricted, and the girdle would serve as the sheath carrier for the sword.<br />
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The girdle itself was equivocated with "truth." The etymology of this word <em id="yui-gen86" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial, helvetica, 'sans serif'; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">alētheia, </em>meaning what is both objectively and subjectively true, is rooted in the word <i>alpha.</i> This word, synonymous with Christ, signifies a definite beginning and end. This is what we would call an "indeclinable noun." Meaning "truth" has only one form and number. <br />
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It is no coincidence that truth is the "alpha" and first piece of God's armor. If we are to reach the world for Christ (generative power) and produce a generation that is committed to Christ, its foundation must be in truth. We must intentionally girt ourselves with truth. Seek it out. Pursue integrity and expel deception. Apart from the "belt of truth," our movement will be restricted and our ability to carry God's Word severly handicapped. Loins girt with truth make us free to fight. <br />
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Deceit will trip you and slow you down. Have you intentionally put on truth today? Or are you looking like a fool with your pants on the ground?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831583056275872158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703675942034328809.post-24024399298706006402014-10-24T06:00:00.000-07:002014-10-24T06:00:03.062-07:00Spoiler Alert! <br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Liberation Sans, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 34px;">I am THE WORST person to watch TV with. I like to think out loud; and by think I mean comment on the acting, content, and storyline. If I am going to watch TV it has to be a series/movie that will make me laugh or grab my attention with a down-to-earth, realistic story-line. One of my very favorite series over the last several years has been "24." </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Liberation Sans, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 34px;">For those who might not be familiar, 24 is the saga of actor Keifer Sutherland, known as agent "Jack Bauer" of the Counter Terrorist Unit. (CTU) Each season is 24 episodes, with each representing one 60 minute period in Jack Bauer's day. It is an intense thriller, and the thing that makes it perfect is that it is totally plausible; putting the life of our service-men in perspective. Without fail, at some point in each season, the writers want you to believe Jack Bauer has died and will not return. But seriously, there can't be 24 episodes if the main character dies. Not to mention, as a loyal fan I follow the news, and how can they kill off the actor they signed a 4 season agreement with? </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Liberation Sans, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 34px;">So since I'm one of those people who totally involves their emotions in the characters and storyline, I rationalize those nail-biter moments away by using logic....out loud. As you can imagine, that may or may not get annoying to everyone else sitting in the room. It's not my fault they have not considered the facts beforehand....that does not give them the right to excuse me from the room....by force.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Liberation Sans, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 34px;">Ever had one of those nail-biter moments in life? Maybe it has been an intense week or month in the series that is your life. Just like this cynical television critic or the kid that reads the back of the Nancy Drew novel, have you considered that life is not THAT much different from these two situations? </span></span><br />
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<b><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the </span><span class="nd" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Lord</span></span></b><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." </b> <i>EXPECTED END.</i> Meaning even when today's episode doesn't make complete sense and some characters look like they have disappeared for good, you already know the end. No need to worry. </span><br />
<span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">God gave Noah a promise that sustained him through the storm. Moses knew that before the end credits would roll, Israel would find themselves in a promised land, even when the scenes shifted. The three Hebrew children recognized their expected end "<i>our God will deliver us,</i>" which influenced their actions and inspired their proclamation, <i>"But if not, we will not bow down." </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Liberation Sans, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 34px;">Perspective is everything. When the scene gets rough or the season is tough, just remember that the divine director signed a binding contract with his own blood. The story of your life cannot be lived out by another character; it is a custom role suited for only one: you. As a believer, no matter what you face - you can read the back of the book and know who wins. </span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831583056275872158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703675942034328809.post-21174580003947471962014-10-19T08:00:00.000-07:002014-10-19T08:00:02.623-07:00MOVIE REVIEW: Left Behind//The End Begins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The year 2014 has been called, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Year of the Bible Film" and while there have been numerous </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">biblical</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">” </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">titles released, I would propose that 2014 is really the year of the Independent Christian film. Films like,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> God</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">s Not Dead</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mom</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">s Night Out</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Alone Yet Not Alone</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When The Game Stands Tall</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and more have come to the big screen, collectively grossing well over 100 million dollars. Now towards the end of the year comes the much anticipated, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Left Behind</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. From the producers of the original film with Kirk Cameron, (one of the first independent Christian films to come to theaters), comes a remake with a lot of factors in its favor. First, it</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">s directed by Vic Armstrong. You may not know his name, but he</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">s known as Hollywood</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">s most prolific stunt coordinator, with such credits as </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Indiana Jones</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thor</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Superman</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Amazing Spiderman</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Second, the film has major talent from Academy Award winner, Nicolas Cage, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One Tree Hill</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">s</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Chad Michael Murray, and Jordin Sparks, winner of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">American Idol</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Bring in to the mix the largest, (but still minuscule by Hollywood standards), budget ever for an Independent Christian film, and you seemingly have a recipe for an awesome film. But is </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Left Behind</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> really that good of a movie? I</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ll try to break down the various aspects of the film in this review.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>THE STORY</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Those familiar with the book, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Left Behind</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, will find that the new film is a tad different. The rundown is as follows: </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Airline Captain, Rayford Steele (Cage), is flying his jumbo jet across the Atlantic ocean when suddenly the Rapture occurs. Panic breaks out and Rayford must calm his passengers, and land his damaged plane safely. His daughter Chloe, (played by Cassi Thompson), is on the ground and sees the destruction the Rapture causes first hand; she struggles to find out what happened and why her mother and brother disappeared. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The story is much simpler than the original film on purpose. Producer Paul Lalonde has stated that he wanted to devote an entire film to the rapture to convey the event accurately. As a story, it</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">s okay; but unfortunately the simplicity of plot causes the film to drag quite a bit. Devoting an entire film to the Rapture sounded good, but an event that happens in the twinkling of an eye has a hard time filling an hour and a half. So I</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ll give the story, a 2.5 out of 5 stars.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>2. THE MESSAGE</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I have heard many comments from people saying that there was no message and no clear explanation of what happened. Let me put those rumors to rest. By the end of the film it is crystal clear what happened, who caused it, and where the missing people are. It is said during the film that you must believe God to go to Heaven, but no conversions actually take place. It feels like the character</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">s various stories went unresolved, as far as salvation goes, to set us up for a sequel. The message gets, a 2.5 out of 5 stars.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>3. THE ACTING</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I expected my favorite character to be Nic Cage, however, his role was pretty much confined to the captain</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">s chair. Although I did love watching him forcefully tell a passenger to take his seat! I enjoyed Chad Michael Murray</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">s interpretation of Buck Williams, and while I wouldn</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">t call it spectacular, I did like him better than Kirk Cameron in this role. Cassi Thompson did an excellent job with her role as Chloe, in my opinion the film was really about her. But my favorite character in this film was definitely the character of Melvin Weir, played by Martin Klebba. His role was so funny I was laughing out loud in some parts! Overall I</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">d give the acting 3.5 out of 5 stars.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>4. THE TECHNICAL ASPECT</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The camera work in the film ranges from good to excellent, but leans about 95% percent to the side of excellent. Some of the shots are absolutely fantastic for an independent film. However, the real test of this kind of film is the visual effects. To do an action packed end times film it</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">s only fitting that you have some good visual effects. The </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">VFX</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">” </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">in </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Left Behind</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> range from bad to good, never very bad, but never very good either. There are some legitimately cool action moments though! The third act of the film called for some heavy duty VFX, however, it felt like they needed about $10 million more to finish them. It</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">s not terrible, but at best I</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">d say it</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">s passable. So I</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">m going to have to give Technical, a 3.5 out of 5 as well.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In summary, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Left Behind</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> under delivered for me. The quirky supporting characters and comedy, while funny, carried on way too long after the Rapture making </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Left Behind</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> feel a little like a parody of the original rather than a better version. But it</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">s still an exciting ride and is at least worth seeing once, and for some, more than once. I believe the producers to be well-meaning men of God and I personally hope </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Left Behind</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> does well in theaters so they can give us a more deserving sequel. In short, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Left Behind</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is an ambitious film that stumbles often, but only because it reaches so high.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Final consensus, 3 out of 5 stars</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(If they would have made an end credits scene introducing Nicolae Carpathia, I would have given it 3.5 stars!)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Guest Post by: Josh Allen</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://twitter.com/OFFICIALJALLEN_" target="_blank">Follow Him On Twitter: @OfficialJAllen_</a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831583056275872158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703675942034328809.post-79957873722702290592014-10-17T08:00:00.000-07:002014-10-20T15:37:11.776-07:00The "Soap" Opera <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJEgc2WjCfKcE111l2dCNYAGFxdtQjkFyJBGExGPhyql0fWSQyEoTRJ8zqxLttat-YCIPqHTf5xA4TZ8iWnc-3GnNv0inMymJwHXXtn0jW300T4e9DYa_xOGzc8IPet15cS_lXJFrWocW/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-11+at+4.49.43+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJEgc2WjCfKcE111l2dCNYAGFxdtQjkFyJBGExGPhyql0fWSQyEoTRJ8zqxLttat-YCIPqHTf5xA4TZ8iWnc-3GnNv0inMymJwHXXtn0jW300T4e9DYa_xOGzc8IPet15cS_lXJFrWocW/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-10-11+at+4.49.43+PM.png" height="300" width="640" /></a></div>
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IKEA is a Swedish land of incredible inventions. I have never walked through that place without seeing at least one thing that I could not live without; having no idea how I ever survived without their latest tool of convenience! My friends also share a love for this great place where recently on one of our group pilgrimages, a two dollar purchase would teach me an invaluable lesson in leadership and development. <br />
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Any good salesman knows that before he can market a problem solver, he must first establish a baseline that there is in fact a problem that needs to be resolved. <i>Insert dramatic infomercial music, black and white shot for extra emphasis, and that over-acted disgusted face as we walk into your bathroom right now. </i> Do you use bar soap? Have you ever noticed how even the best grooved bathtub holders for bar soap collect a residue that is a cake mixture of hardened soap and dead skin cells? Ever picked up a bar and there's the wet gooey layer because the bar of soap sat in the moisture that never fully drained or dissipated? </div>
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Here's where IKEA's ingenious plastic invention comes in! Similar to the product you see in the title, this $2 plastic holder suctioned to the shower wall, holding the bar upright so that gravity could do it's work and allow all that moisture to drain! This would also keep the bars of soap from ending up on the floor like they so often do.<br />
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Having seen this revelatory item, eyes have now been opened to this epidemic that must end! So, someone I know purchased several of these, attached them to the wall, and placed the individual bars of soap in them. The story is told that every day when the purchaser got in the shower, one particular bar of soap was not in it's new place; It always found it's way back to its old spot.</div>
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One reported they followed the cycle: After the purchaser would get in the shower, the soap was it its new spot. After the owner of this particular bar would get in the shower, it was always out...until one day, all evidence of the soap container magically disappeared; All in one swift move, both the problem and the solution disappeared for good. Here are some takeaways:</div>
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1. People Won't Always See What You See.</h2>
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Someone saw junk, and the other saw treasure. Someone saw a collection of dead skin cells, used soap, and bacteria, while someone else examined a difference in routine placement. <br />
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The world needs Visionaries, driven to look toward the future, calculate the risks, and affect change to generate momentum and growth. If it can be better, then why should it stay the same? If we can do something new and effective, why stick with the status quo? The visionaries of the world are those IKEA inventors, church leaders, writers, and communicators who keep the world moving. Without visionaries, we will still be living without electricity, cars, and the technology that makes life a blend of complicated and fun. Don't be discouraged if people don't see what you see; that only means you will go places others cannot go. </div>
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<br />2. You Cannot Not Force A Solution.</h2>
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Left to themselves, the managerial type would take what they were given, and ONLY what they were given, and make it as comfortable as could be. ( AKA. the regular soap shelf. ) Visionaries hate "comfortable" just as much as Managers hate "new." This tension, though irritating at times is necessary to a steady flow of life. If you are to be an effective visionary, you must first understand that change cannot always be forced. "A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still." You will lose the heart and buy-in of those you seek to lead if you mandate change on a "if it a'int broke don't fix it" personality. Take a step back and utilize your opportunities to communicate. As you communicate, either your philosophy will change, or your followers will change. Both of these can be listed as success. </div>
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3. Problems Must First Be Personal </h2>
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Sometimes as leaders we must sell the problem before we can ever sell the solution. Habits and routines do not change until the issue begins to hit close to home. Maybe you're a Christian who can look back and see how grace did not seem so amazing until you realized just how much of a wretch you were. Maybe you were an addict who finally publicly admitted, "My name is_____ and I am_____." There can only be a solution where there is first a problem. Vision casting in a sterile, universal manner if rarely effective; But communicating the personal issues will continue to decide leaders, elect presidents, and graduate AA members. Someone is going to change the world. The question is, will it be you? </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831583056275872158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703675942034328809.post-50458750573753765152014-10-14T10:53:00.002-07:002014-10-14T10:53:50.576-07:00Influence Or Be Influenced<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
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I have always believed that we are a product of our influences. How we influence others is sometimes intentional at other times not at all. Putting influence into perspective is challenging. Are you supposed to care who you influence and who influences you?? One thing is certain you are influencing others and you are being influenced by others. Surely there is a way to control this. To a degree at least. </div>
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When I consider the idea and action of influence I look at the person of Jesus. He has done what no one could and has made every influential action to be that which will bring forth a positive outcome. Jesus didn't demand to have influence though. He was meek, ultra loving, and involved personally on those he influenced. </div>
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When Christ was on the earth He had apostles and told them to make disciples also. Jesus knew that to influence the world you must first influence individuals one on one. He knew that while he was the way the truth and the life He had to involve others in making that message believable. Bottom line is this. Jesus wasn't a self proclaimed influence. Jesus diligently put in the time to walk and talk among his apostles (a small group of men) with love above all, as a means to reach all men. </div>
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He told them to go and tell, baptize in His name when He himself could have used the powers of heaven and earth to make the world believe. Jesus was in the business of involving others in the gospel. Not just self proclaiming it. </div>
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His example in such, is the single greatest influence any life can come under. Look around, focus on the people right in front of you, the people you see every day. No need to try to reach or influence everyone. The best way to reach everyone with positive influence is to just reach those in your immediate future. With love. No matter what agenda you're pushing, no matter how passionate you are, if you do to put in the time to just spend time with people and care for them, you will have no influence at all. </div>
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It is interesting to note that Christ seemed to have no influence aside from God the Father. He was so busy trying to influence others positively that He didn't have time for others to influence him. Especially not negatively. Even satan tried to tempt Christ but Christ knew his mission. To love. Seek and save. Bring life more abundant. Etc. Likewise, If we focus on loving people, we allow little to no bad influences in our lives. </div>
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GUEST POST BY: JOE KITSON</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831583056275872158noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-703675942034328809.post-32051174127217342392014-10-11T14:25:00.001-07:002014-10-11T14:25:50.988-07:00I Hear Church Bells<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Not too long ago, the bus was parked next to a church building in Texas. In this small town, one of the church's attractions and advertising tools was the electronic church bell sitting atop their auditorium. At half past the hour, a chime would sound, and on the hour, the bell would sound to signal which hour we had arrived upon. That would have been OK, maybe like a grandfather clock, but after playing the hourly number, it proceeded to play a verse and chorus of a hymn! <div>
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No matter where you were on the property or in its vicinity, no matter what stage of sleep you happened to be in, you could not escape the chimes of time. The first day I thought, "what an annoyance!" Why in the world would they park us here next to this siren of a church bell for an entire week?! But by day three, God had opened my eyes to a few lessons that made it a little more tolerable. </div>
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<b>1. Time Never Stops</b></h2>
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I know what you're thinking...that fact just BLEW. YOUR. MIND. Right?! While this captain obvious statement is rather general, the fact is so under-considered by the American culture. This generation has been accused of constantly living in the moment, but I believe that to be false! Today's moments are so consumed with snapping photos of ourselves and events so that we can look back, that often we fail to genuinely enjoy the moment we are in! Each half hour as that bell would ring, I was reminded that even when I became idle, time continued on. The bell became a sudden transport to the very moment I was in; a realization that my tomorrow hinged on my choices in this moment. </div>
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<b>2. Success And Failure Are Measured By Moments</b></h2>
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At first this was depressing. I'll never forget sitting in my make-shift office, hearing that church-bell ring and wondering if there was a glitch in the program. Hadn't I JUST heard that bell only a few moments ago? Had a half hour REALLY passed already? A glance at my watch revealed a depressing truth...another half hour had passed and I had done NOTHING. Have you ever made it to the end of the day and wondered where the time went? Maybe as you sit here and realize it's OCTOBER and the year we just started a few days ago is weeks away from a close. Dwelling on this fact can definitely drive one into depression, until you begin to reevaluate how you spend your time. Set your goals and evaluate your productivity moment by moment. If you fail in one half hour segment, your day is not a failure, for the next moment may hold great progress. Both positive and negative momentum are products of a series of small, measurable moments. </div>
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3. Timing Is Everything</h2>
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If you fail to consider this point, you may jump the gun on some good opportunities to wait. While tomorrow is not promised, and you never truly know what a moment may bring does not give you an out not to plan. My great-grandpa always said, "plan your work, and work your plan." This principle applies to every single aspect of life. In order for my moments, resulting in my day, to be successful, I must have a general direction for where I am headed, and the time it will take me to get there. If the purpose of my day is ill-defined, I will arrive at my destination every time. Some opportunities take planning and strategizing; therefore each moment doubles as a celebration of "now" and a deliberation of what is to come. A moment too soon, or a second too late can ultimately change your entire future. </div>
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"Remember WHEN?" "Remember THAT TIME?" Time serves as the foundation and vehicle for every move of life. It's more valuable than gold, yet freely given. How have you spent yours?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13831583056275872158noreply@blogger.com0