Babies, Books, and Knitting
This is the time of year when many celebrate a rather historic moment: the birth of a child. It is unusual because our culture typically shuns the embracing of a single religion in favour of the “many paths to God” philosophy. Perhaps it is the captivating allure of a small, innocent child that calms the belligerent tendencies in us. Or perhaps it is simply that as creatures of habit we feel compelled to embrace the unwavering traditions in which we were raised. Nevertheless, every year the story is told and it begins in Matthew chapter one:
18This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
22All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”–which means, “God with us.”
–Matthew 1:18, 22-23 (NIV)
The book of Matthew launches a new era in Biblical writings: The New Testament. The book initiates a new beginning of the Bible that builds on the foundation of the Old Testament and starts the ball rolling with a series of writings that together comprise a single narrative. What is remarkable about Matthew is that even though it begins with the Christmas story, the birth of Christ, there is something that takes place in the first few verses that is even more interesting: The genealogy of Jesus. Although I find reading genealogies a tad dry, the fact that God chose to begin with one illustrates a facet of His character that I find most intriguing.
What If Starbucks Marketed Like A Church?
Here’s a great video that answers the question of what Starbucks would look like if it marketed itself like so many churches today do. This video has been around for a bit, but it’s still funny (and true).
It’s Like Drinking Water
At church we are doing a series on hearing the voice of God. I spoke this Sunday and talked about what it means to “pray continually” and how God wants to speak to us throughout our day.
Click the link below to listen to the audio, or watch the video.
Printers: The Worst Part of A System
Having worked in tech support for several years, I can attest that if anything is going to give an individual trouble, it’s going to be the printer. I stumbled upon the following YouTube video and couldn’t help but get a laugh.
Note: There is some mild language in the video.
Style And Performance
I have always gotten a kick out of people who soup up their vehicles. Especially vehicles that really shouldn’t be. Case in point: This week while doing some regular excursions we chanced to find a mini-van whose owner certainly knows what he (or she) wants in a motor vehicle.
Nothing says “family” like a mini-van retrofitted with a transport truck exhaust. No doubt this beauty has style and performance wrapped in a single sea foam-green package.
Communication
At WellSpring we are continuing to talk about family. When I shared this past Sunday morning I talked about communication: How good communication makes a difference in every facet of our lives, including family.
Click the link below to listen. For the video message, visit WellSpring’s web site here.
Generational Influence
We have begun a new series at WellSpring. A few weeks ago we began talking about family. When I spoke this past Sunday I talked about the influence we have on the next generation.
Click the link below to listen. For the video message, visit WellSpring’s web site here.
Twitter and Tweets
I have decided to give Twitter a try.
I am not a huge fan of social networking sites–I am certain it is more of the “social” element and not the “networking” element; after all, who does not like networking?–but Twitter is one more point of contact, which cannot hurt.
For the record, I do not think “church sucks.” The church is the corporate body of Christ. I am, however, opposed to some of the institutional constructs that have evolved (mostly in Western culture) over the last few hundred years. Order and ceremonial observation are great, but not when the purpose and function has long since been lost. I say we have communion with potato chips and Coke.
The Story
This month I had the privilege of sharing during our morning Easter service. I talked from the book of Job about the connection God wants with us and what that looks like in our lives.
Click the link below to listen. For the video message, which includes a Peanuts skit, visit WellSpring’s web site here.
Strength and Courage
This past Sunday I spoke at church. We’ve been focusing on learning God’s ways and walking in them.
In my message I shared from the book of Joshua and focused on the element that God is with us whether we recognize His active role in our lives or not.
Click the link below to listen.