To My Friends Who Identify Themselves as Homosexual...

To all my friends who identify themselves as being homosexual—we need to clarify a few things. I think we can come to something resembling a true understanding of each other. Let’s start with some foundational truths about my beliefs:

Live Stream Worship Service Audio for FREE with Mixlr [T3]

Several years ago, when I was working with the Sweetwater church of Christ, we began experimenting with live video streams of our worship services. It was great to be able to make our worship services accessible to those who weren't able to be with us, whether because of their health, the weather, or some other issue.

However, we did run into problems at times. Ustream was becoming more popular, but it was still a bit young. Likewise, we didn't always have the most robust internet connection. Video also brings a certain complexity to broadcasting, in that you have a visual component and an audio component, and both have to be in sync with each other.

When I moved to Kentucky, I began thinking about how much easier and accessible it might be to just broadcast audio over the internet. I tried several streaming server options, but nothing really seemed to suit me. So I gave up.

Until last week—when I found Mixlr.

You may have heard of it before, but somehow this one had slipped past me (which doesn't happen often). Mixlr is a self described "platform for social live audio. You can create an account with them for the best price ever—FREE—and then take advantage of their live audio streaming possibilities.

Features

• Live audio streaming from a computer, iPhone, and even (with a little work) an iPad.
• The ability to embed an audio player on your own website.
• Social interactivity—listeners can chat (which is useful, but could be a problem... more on that in a minute).
• Social media connection—when you "schedule" a broadcast, you can post to Facebook and Twitter about your upcoming broadcast.
• Audio archiving—The "Showreel" is an archive of past "shows." You can download or share your broadcast from this page.
• Connects to Dropbox, Soundcloud, Mixcloud, and other third party sites. I can actually send a broadcast archive mp3 directly to Dropbox from Mixlr.
• Paid accounts are only $9.99, and give you a higher quality audio stream, as well as a few other features.
• NO ADS on the free accounts (yet). 

In Practice

This last week was a pretty icy one for us in Southern Illinois. We didn't cancel our worship services, but we had many who were unable to come. Likewise, there were many people from other congregations in our area who stayed home. It was the kind of situation that live streaming audio is perfect for.

To prepare, I embedded the audio player on our own website (just to keep people from wandering away to other audio streams), and shared the information on Facebook.

I used the iPhone app (loaded on my iPad) for our broadcast. The app is straightforward enough—simply sign in, select a genre, enter a title, then hit the big green start button to broadcast. I set the iPad on the lectern and used its internal microphone. It seemed to work well.

When I stopped the broadcast the app prompted me to save it, or wait until later. I'm not sure, but it seems as though the broadcast is simultaneously streamed and recorded on the device. When you save a broadcast to your "Showreel," it actually uploads a file from the iPhone/iPad to Mixlr. That's great, because it means that if your internet connection was fidgety and cutting out those dropouts won't be on your recording.

We actually had listeners the first time we streamed! I couple I knew, but we even had one random person from the Mixlr universe who listened for a little while. They posted a comment that I had to delete, but hey, at least they had a chance to hear the truth for a little while!

Impressions

To this point I've been thrilled with using Mixlr. It's SO much easier than video streaming ever was. I do plan on connecting a computer (or my iPad) to our sound system this week instead of using the iPad microphone. Other than that, there's not really much I would change.

The social media connections make Mixlr a useful tool, too. What good is it to have a live stream, yet not have anyone listening? I think that scheduling broadcasts, and "advertising" them on Facebook/Twitter will help boost the size of our listening audience.

For right now, I plan on sending my broadcasts to Dropbox, then editing them down to just the sermons, and using the edited file for our iTunes feed. In the future, though, I'm thinking about the possibility connecting Mixlr to Mixcloud, a service which will not only allow me to archive files, but has a beta program for spoken word podcasts which connects to iTunes. Basically, I could send my archive file there, and have my iTunes feed automatically update. That's cool.

Why Just Audio?

The ease with which someone can broadcast (from a mobile device sitting on the pulpit), as well as the relatively low internet bandwidth required for streaming makes audio streaming a much more viable option for many churches.

Our DSL internet service is really not sufficient for video streaming. But it is more than adequate to stream audio. Many congregations who are in more rural areas have the same problem, and I think that just streaming audio is a great alternative for them. Even if your congregation has sufficient internet bandwidth for video, some in your audience might not have a fast enough connection to watch it. Audio streaming solves that problem, too.

Likewise, I'm personally more likely to listen to a sermon than to watch one—and that's coming from a "video guy." The reality is that I don't really have 30 minutes to sit down at a computer and watch a guy preach. On the other hand, I can find time to listen to a lesson while driving, walking, or working on tasks that require less concentration. Besides, if your video stream is just one stationary camera pointed at a pulpit, then you aren't really justifying using video anyway. Just stream audio!

One other thing—Mixlr will load on a mobile device's browser. Yes, people can listen to your live stream on their smartphone! That is much more difficult to do with video.

More to Come

Over the coming weeks I intend to do more experimenting with Mixlr. I'm excited about the possibilities of this service for the work of the church. Check it out on your own at:

www.mixlr.com

View our live streaming page at:

www.metropoliscofc.com/live-audio-stream/

View my Mixlr profile at:

http://mixlr.com/dhowell/

- Daniel

What the Legalizing of "Homosexual Marriage" In Illinois Means for the Church

Last Wednesday morning I awoke to some news that I had known
was coming, but it still shocked and saddened me—the
state of Illinois, where I live, is legalizing “homosexual marriage.”

At the time I was feeding my then three-week-old baby boy,
Hayden. As I silently mourned the depravity of our society, I also mourned for
him and his future in the world in which he will grow. “What will things be
like for him when he is my age?” was the question on my mind.

One word really summed up my feelings about the matter—defeated.

It’s easy for Christians to feel defeated when a decision is
made which legalizes and legitimizes immorality. We feel like we are players in
a hopeless tragedy. We are demoralized, and depressed.

As I was sitting in my living room, watching the news
coverage and feeding my son, my mind wandered to the New
Mexico case of a wedding photographer who refused to photograph a “homosexual
wedding.” She has been taken to court, and the courts have not ruled in her
favor. I wondered, “Will I be the object of harassment someday if a homosexual
couple comes knocking on my office door, demanding that I officiate their
wedding? I will say no, on moral
grounds. What will happen to me?”

Now that’s assuming that a couple actually did ask. But it’s not out of the
question any more, is it? Plenty of people today think you can be a practicing
homosexual and be pleasing to God. Is it that much of a stretch to think I
could be asked?

It’s scary people—really scary.

Sometimes it seems as though truth and morality are losing
ground that they will never regain. That thought is both depressing and
terrifying—and the product of a defeated
mindset. For a time I allowed myself to wallow in self-pity, and the feelings
stemming from the apparent defeat and demise of morality in our society.

But then I started thinking more clearly. I asked myself
this question: What does the passage of this new law (or any like it) really
mean for the church? The answer came to me so clearly and suddenly that it
almost startled me. At first I thought I was wrong. But now I don’t think I am.

What does the
legalizing of “homosexual marriage” mean for the congregation where I worship?
ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

I'm not saying it will have absolutely no effect—for that matter, it may even distract us from some internal issues that actually could have a negative impact if our
attention is drawn away from them. What I'm suggesting is that it changes absolutely nothing about who we are, or what we are doing.

Let me explain.

Yes, the situation is sad and distressing, and I’m not
saying that it doesn’t matter. Yes, I mourn that our law condones sin, and I am
not complacent to that fact. Yes, I know that some people of a weaker
disposition will be deluded in their way of thinking because of it. But the church will survive, and may even
thrive.

The body of Christ has withstood many tests that are much
harsher than this one. There have been times in history in which things have
been comparatively worse for morality, the first century being one of those
times. Solomon reminds us that, “What has been is what will be, and what has
been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun,”
(Ecclesiastes 1:9, ESV). Let’s not fool ourselves into thinking our situation
is new, or even unique.

Even Paul reminds us that the trials and temptations we face
are “common to man,” i.e., other people have and will experience the things we
experience (1 Corinthians 10:13). If the church has made it this long, and
through even tougher times, shouldn’t we expect her to keep going now? She’s not dead yet, nor will she die!

But those thoughts alone aren’t the only reasons that I know
the church will be okay, even if it isn’t flourishing in the way that you and I
tend to define success (i.e., having millions and millions of disciples in the United States).

To those who are so worried—are YOU going to quit because
such laws are passed? I know I’m not. You probably aren’t either. In fact,
these situations tend to embolden us. They make us stronger, and able to endure
more (consider James 1:2-4).

For that matter, remember that sometimes things have to get
to the point of a more severe contrast (like the prodigal son’s pig pen, Luke
15:15-19) before people see reality, and they get better. You will stick it
out, and the church will not be harmed because of you. In fact, it may be
helped.

More than anything, when you start to feel defeated,
remember the message of the New Testament, and especially of the book of
Revelation—Jesus Christ has won!

The Bible doesn’t tell us that Christ may will, or will win,
but that he has won! Consider Jesus’
words in John 16:33:

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may
have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, ESV)

Paul reminds us that God gives
us the victory through Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57). That’s because there is no
question about who the winner is in the struggle between good and evil—Christ is the winner! Really, making it
through life to the ultimate victory is simply about you and I making sure that
we stay on the right side, the side of
the victor!

If you are a member of the Church, you are on the side that has already defeated the world! The church
isn’t going to die! She has already won!

I liken this whole situation to a lopsided basketball game.
You know, the kind of game where one team is so much better than the other that
they pretty much win simply by showing up. In the waning seconds of the game,
the score is 112-6. With one second left, the losing team launches a ball from
the opposite side of the court, and it goes in with a satisfying swish. There’s
pandemonium, and celebrating in the bleachers! They just shot an amazing
three-point “buzzer beater!” But then reality sets in for them—the amazing
“buzzer beater” really meant nothing, because
the game had been lost long ago.

This situation is just
like that. Evil seems to have an exciting moment of victory, but it is fleeting
and hollow. For the forces of evil, the game has been lost long ago. If you are
on the side of good, don’t feel defeated. Instead, feel empowered and victorious—through Christ, you will overcome it all,
too!

—Daniel

What My Generation Needs to Know About Having a Family

"You're about to start paying for your raising."

Those were his words. They hit my ears like sleet hits the back of your neck on a cold winter day. I don't think he meant any harm by them. But they didn't feel good.

You see, he was saying them just a few days after the birth of our first child, Jenaleigh. Why did they hit me so painfully?

First, we were coming off of what had been a difficult pregnancy for my wife.

Second, we had just brought home a newborn that refused to sleep unless she was held.

Third, we were worried sick that Jenaleigh might have hip dysplasia, and a trip to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital (with our one-week old) was on the horizon.

I really wasn't in the mood for this aged man's words of "wisdom," as they were far from encouraging.

I held my peace. But I haven't forgotten the sting.

Welcome to the Club!

For some reason we have this twisted notion that expectant parents are supposed to be tortured. The last few weeks of a pregnancy are depicted as impending doom instead of impending joy. Of course this is done in something resembling goodwill and jesting. It's the hazing that is supposed to welcome them to the club of parenthood.
But comments like:

• "You'd better get some rest now, because you won't get any when the baby gets here." (Not helpful, because sleep doesn't have rollover minutes.)


• "You have no idea how much your life is about to change." (This one is usually said with a slightly sinister grin.)


• "You are about to get yours!" (But what if I was a good kid?)

People do the same thing when it comes to marriage. I can remember several people asking me, just days before my wedding, "Are you sure this is what you want to do?" Lately I've wondered how such people might have felt had their probing made me want to call off the wedding.

They also made comments like, "You might think you are ready, but you are not!" Wow. Thanks for the encouragement.

Now I understand that such comments aren't meant to harm. But they are akin to asking a kid, "How is school going?" People say those things when they don't know what else to say. They are impersonal, and sometimes even uncaring or discouraging.

While the people who say them may mean no harm, I'm afraid that such statements are symptoms a flaw in our perception and portrayal of the family. Instead of being a blessing, a family is often depicted as being a burden.

It's No Wonder…

Maybe it's no wonder, then, that birth rates (while leveling off) are lower than they have been in 100 years.

For that matter, maybe it's also no wonder that marriage rates are at a new low.

Maybe most of the older folks who make the previously mentioned remarks really do love and cherish their families. Maybe they are proud of them, and thank God every day for their blessings. But apparently that isn't the impression that younger people are getting.

They get the impression that families hold back careers. They get the impression that families stifle dreams and self expression. They get the impression that families are a necessary evil that have to be "handled" and "dealt with."

Sadly, those impressions may not be far from the truth in the families of some people. Accordingly, they are left with the impression that the hardships outweigh the benefits. With the "ball and chain" being the standard marital metaphor, and moms who "can't wait to get back to work" being the post-natal conversation, who wants to enter the kind of slavery that a family seems to be?

But those thoughts couldn't be further from the truth.

God's Idea of Marriage and Family

God makes it plain that marriage and children are to be spoken of and thought of as being a blessing.

In Hebrews 13:4 we read that "marriage is honorable above all." The word "honorable" tells us that marriage ought to be held in high esteem. It ought to be respected. It is not a "civil right," it is a sacred privilege, designed and implemented by God himself for the good of mankind (see Genesis 2:18-24).

The psalmist reminds us that children are a "heritage from the Lord." In other words, they are a blessed inheritance. They are a reward from God. The man who has many of them is portrayed as being a blessed, happy man (Psalm 127:3-5).

Proverbs 17:6 tells us that "grandchildren are the crown of aged" (ESV). The "crown" represents a symbol of celebration, or status, and implies that their own children have embraced God's blessing of family.

Despite all the problems that we see in families in the Bible, to be unable to marry or have children was dishonorable and depressing.

Isn't it interesting how we've reversed that perception in our society—that choosing to focus on having a family instead of climbing the corporate ladder is seen as a disappointment. The mom who stays at home isn't fulfilling her potential. The dad who gets paid less so that he can work in a job that allows him to actually see his kids is lazy.

How sad.

What Can You Do?

So few are the words of encouragement that I received before the birth of our first child that I can remember each instance.

The one that stands out in my mind the most came from a man with two young kids himself. They were something to this effect:

"I love having kids. You'll love having them too. Sure it can be hard sometimes. But we can't remember what we did before we had them, and we can't imagine doing anything without them now!"

That's the sort of thing that my generation needs to hear today. Family is a blessing. I can honestly say that I was truly encouraged by this man's words.

What you can do is glorify the family with your speech. Honor marriage, not only in your words, but in the example you give to your children, and even your children's friends.

Let us not speak of the "ball and chain," or "paying for your raising" anymore. Let us speak of honor. Let us speak of blessings when we refer to the family.

Don't deride the family with your speech any more, even if you are only kidding. Instead, by your words and actions, make others want one!

-Daniel

Small Churches are GOOD for Your Kids!

Before I get to what I want to say, let me give some disclaimers:

First, I’m not saying that large congregations are evil, or doing something wrong to be large. I know that sometimes when people discuss the benefits of small congregations, they sound like they want to stay forever small because somehow it is holier. I’m not saying that at all.

Second, the following is only my opinion, and I’m not saying it is true everywhere. But based on what I experienced growing up, and what I continue to see today, I think it is accurate.

This last Sunday, as we were taking the Lord’s supper, my mind wandered. I know, I know; But don’t judge me before I tell you what I was thinking.

As the plates came around, I was sitting on the side of the pews where one of our young men (who is a high school senior) was helping to serve. His father was also serving on the opposite side of our section of pews. For a split second, it dawned on me how much this young man had grown in his service to God in the past year.

His family moved to Metropolis at about the same time we did. They moved to our congregation of 75-80 from a congregation of several hundred. One of the reasons they gave for moving was that they wanted their boys to be in a comfortable environment which would allow them to grow.

But wait. Isn't that supposed to happen in large churches with all kinds of “programs” and opportunities?

Yes. But it also happens in small churches. Sometimes, it even works better, too.

I grew up in a congregation that averaged a little over one hundred in attendance. We had a small youth group. Maybe there were a dozen of us. We went bowling a couple of times when I was growing up. But our main activities included Bible Bowls (which we routinely won - thanks Mrs. Linda!), Summer Youth Series, and Camp. We may not have taken ski trips to Gatlinburg and mission trips to North Dakota, but we did take trips across the county in our bus, singing, laughing, and enjoying each other’s fellowship the whole way. We had parents, and even grandparents who were wholly given over to teaching us, working with us, and helping us to grow into Christian adults.

A small congregation is where I learned to preach, along with the few other guys in my youth group. Another small congregation is where I honed my skills as a preacher, “filling in” during college. It was yet another small congregation that first hired me, and where I spent the first two and a half years of my ministry. It was an incredible time, with incredible people, though I can’t say I fully appreciated it then as much as I do now.

When I think about it, most of the preachers I know came from small churches. When you are at a small congregation, one hidden advantage is that you are given more opportunity to serve in the same capacities adults serve in. As a teen, I learned to be a Christian as part of the Church itself, with the adults, serving as an adult, not being set apart in a special “youth group.”

I guess that’s why when I see people drive past a small congregation, adding fifteen or twenty minutes “one way” to their trip, just to go to a congregation that has an “active youth group,” I want to stand out by the road, waving my arms yelling, “We have active youth, too! We have some great kids! They faithfully serve God and grow in many ways! This would be a great place for your kids!”

It’s a lot like the person applying for a job for the first time. Every listing says that job experience is required. But how are you supposed to get experience if no one will hire you because you don’t have experience?

The same is true for the youth of a congregation. How are you supposed to have an active youth program if no one will come because they don’t think you have an active, flourishing youth program? It’s really unfair.

My point in writing is this: Small churches are good for your kids, too. Don’t take the attitude of a consumer. Be a builder. Don’t look for congregations like you look for schools and colleges. Find a place that you can help to grow, and where your children can learn to serve God, whether big or small. If the closest place is a small congregation, give them a chance. And by that, I mean more than a few weeks.

After all, most every large congregation did not start large. They were once a small congregation. But it was that small church that raised the kids who made it large. They must have been doing something right when they were small!

-Daniel

 

Repentance is Good for You!

Repent .

What a burdensome, hard word. Maybe it means you can’t be who you want to be, and do what you want to do. Maybe it implies that you can’t be who you (think you) are. Maybe it seems unfair, because you will have to give up something that you think you really enjoy.

We have been conditioned by our permissive society to think that repentance is a burden. When some read that Jesus said a man should deny himself, and take up his cross daily in order to follow Him (Luke 9:23), they mistakenly associate that cross with some unbearable burden of self denial and repentance. They think it is too hard. In fact, maybe it’s too hard to even bother with living like a Christian at all.

 

“The real burden isn’t repentance... the real burden is sin.”

But the real burden isn’t repentance. That’s a deceptive idea that Satan has spread, because it works in his own interests. When you think of repentance as an unbearable burden, you are playing into his hand. The real burden that holds you back is sin (cf. Hebrews 12:1). Guilt weighs far more on your back than repentance ever can.

Jesus calls all those who are “weary and heavy laden” to come to him (Matthew 11:28, NASB). Jesus promises that his yoke of service is more comfortable, and light in comparison to what you have been suffering from (Matthew 11:30).

 

John the Apostle also wrote that to love God means to obey His commandments (1 John 5:3). He then added that to obey God’s commands is not a burdensome nor grievous thing.

You see, turning away from the controlling influence of sin (i.e., repentance) to the living God’s Will for your life, expressed in the Bible, is actually good for you! While the self control aspect of repentance might be hard sometimes, it is not a burden. The life of the righteous is a much more peaceful, joy filled, lighter life than the life of the wicked.

Remember, Jesus promised Christians an abundant life (John 10:10). On the contrary, Satan through society at large wants you to think that God is repressing you, that he is holding you back from being all that you could be. Satan told the same lies to Eve in Genesis 3:1-5. When Adam and Eve “bit,” they soon realized that the burden from the consequences was greater in listening to Satan than obeying God (cf. Genesis 3:17-19).

God isn’t your enemy; Satan is. Jesus is your friend, if you will do what he says (John 15:14). What they want is for you to repent of sin, to turn your mind and actions away from sin, and toward God (2 Peter 3:9).

While Satan wants you to think that God wants your life to be bitter, the truth is that God wants your life to be better. That’s why repentance is good for you!

-Daniel

“Remember, Jesus promised Christians an abundant life (John 10:10).”

---

Credit to Phil Sanders for a statement he made at the Western Kentucky Area Wide Gospel Meeting which inspired this article  - “Repentance is good for you.”

 

Missing the Point: When the Message Gets Lost in the Method

“Sometimes a very important message can be missed because of the way it is communicated.””

“A riot is still a riot, even if you meant well in starting it.”

Would you yell the word “fire” in a crowded theater in order to make people aware of the fire exits?

Would you call in a bomb threat at a hospital in order to show a weakness in security?

Would you record a video of yourself using your .45 pistol to shoot your daughter’s laptop, then post the video to social media as a means of teaching her not to post bratty rants on Facebook?

All of those things have a valid message behind them. Know where the fire exits are in a public building. Be sure that vulnerable places like hospitals are secure. Don’t disrespect your parents.

But all of those things also have one other thing in common: Instead of calling attention to a valid issue, and raising legitimate concerns, they raise people’s blood pressure and may even incite a riot.

That’s why seeing a news story about a certain billboard on the South side of Paducah caused me to cringe. The billboard attributes itself to the church of Christ, but was the work of one man. The way in which it approached the issue of denominationalism brought more attention to the manner in which the message was communicated than it did to the message itself.

While the billboard does raise some valid spiritual questions that people need to ask themselves, the message itself was lost in the circus it created. It goes to show that sometimes a very important message can be missed because of the way it is communicated.

While we are to “contend earnestly for the faith” (Jude 3), there are some issues and people who need our mercy and compassion as we rescue them from error (consider Jude 22-23). You and I, as servants of God, need to be sure that we aren’t forgetting that.

A riot is still a riot, even if you meant well in starting it.

As Paul was nearing the end of his life (2 Tim. 4:6), he wrote to Timothy to remind him of this very thing.

“And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”

— 2 Timothy 2:24-26, NKJV

 Notice how Paul tells Timothy to deal with correcting and teaching people, as a “servant of the Lord”:

1) Don’t cause an argument. A servant can’t be someone who quarrels. He or she can’t be a person who likes to argue and debate with people. Yes, arguments may come from teaching others, and we shouldn’t withhold the truth from someone just because it may make them angry. But it’s foolish to do something in a way that you know will cause an argument. James writes that “the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). We would all do well to keep that in mind.

2) Teach gently, and patiently. Teaching is the key here, and Paul’s emphasis is on being able to. If you aren’t able to teach someone, then leave them alone! This is true whether you lack time, or ability (cf. James 3:1). You can do much more harm than good. Don’t fall into the trap of “Bible potshots” or “drive-by evangelism.” Paul devoted much time and attention to teaching the church in Thessalonica (1 Thess. 2:5-8). He “cherished” them, and treated them as a nursing mother treats her newborn infant. Be gentle and patient with the precious souls you are trying to reach!

3) Keep pride out of correction. Pride means you care about being right, or winning your point. Humility means you care about the soul of the person you are teaching, and want them to be right and do right. While he doesn’t go into specifics, Paul must have been referring to pride among other things when he wrote to those who would restore a sinner, that they ought to be considering themselves lest they also be tempted (Galatians 6:1). Don’t make correcting others about you and your agenda.

4) Remember why. When you lose sight of the reason for evangelism (cf. 2 Cor. 5:9-11), you start to look at people as arguments to be won instead of souls to be won. There are many who have been “taken captive by the devil," and who need to "come to their senses" and know the truth. God wants them to repent (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9). Approach them in such a way as to make them want to be what you are, a Christian, not stomp away angry. God doesn’t want them to be lost. Don’t let them be lost because of your pride, or short-sightedness.

When I’m wrong about something, I don’t want someone to put up a billboard to tell me I’m wrong. I want them to come, and sit down with me in person. I want to hear the love in their voice as they correct me. I want to see the look of care on their face. I want to know that they are concerned about me, and not just about winning an argument.

It can’t be that much different for anyone else, can it?

Remember: Knowledge can make someone harsh and arrogant, but love builds others up (1 Corinthians 8:1). What is your approach?

 - Daniel

How Can You Be Right AND Wrong?

George is a very conscientious man. He makes it his aim to always do what is right, and to help guide others in the way they should go. George’s advice is usually spot on.

But it’s his reasoning that’s the problem. Allow me to explain by way of an example.

One day George was sitting in his living room chair, relaxing and reading a book. Suddenly, he heard a racket coming from the street. A group of neighborhood kids had decided to play football right in front of his house. George knew that playing in the street was dangerous, so he decided to warn the kids.

“Don’t be playing in the street!” yelled George through his living room window.

The kids stopped playing long enough to respond. One of the bigger kids, obviously the leader, yelled back, “But my mom always lets us play in the street. Why should we listen to you?”

“Because it’s dangerous to be in the street! A lion could come and eat you!”

His mother had told him the same thing whenever he was a kid. It was scary enough to keep him out of the street, so he tried it.

To George’s dismay, the kids laughed hysterically. “A lion! You’re funny, mister!” They went back to playing football.

George shook his head, mumbled to himself, “Silly kids,” and sat down in his easy chair next to the window to keep reading his book.

About an hour later a thunderstorm blew in. It came on so suddenly that it actually startled George. Lightning streaked through the sky, and thunder rattled his house. Even more distressing to George than the thunderstorm was the sight of those same neighborhood kids out in the street. Now they were dancing in the rain, and splashing in the puddles.

George knew the situation was serious. The lightning was close, and the kids were in danger of being struck. George cracked open his storm door and yelled out to the kids, “You had better get some shelter, or Zeus is going to strike you with a lighting bolt!” George had a superstition about lightning.

“Zeus?” yelled back the big kid. “Everybody know’s he’s just a myth!” He went back to splashing in the puddles, and trying to catch raindrops in his mouth.

George tried again. “Even so, it’s dangerous to be out there with the lighting! You need to find some shelter! You can come in my house if you’d like.” George opened the door a bit wider, stepped out, and motioned with his hands for the kids to come in.

This time the big kid thought he would be smart. He yelled back, “Hey mister, you’d better get back inside before Zeus strikes YOU!” All the kids fell in the street, holding their stomachs and rolling in laughter. One even acted like he had be zapped by lightning.

George was distraught now. He wanted to help the kids. But the kids didn’t want his help. He was torn, because he knew they were in danger, even if they ignored it.

As he came back into his house, the television screen caught his eye. It had been on, but with the volume turned down so that George could read his book. The screen showed a weather map with shades of green, yellow, and a huge blotch of bright red racing toward the dot that represented his hometown.

A bright red bar was taking up the bottom third of the screen. The white letters on the red background caused the hair to stand up on the back of George’s neck: “TORNADO WARNING.”

George fumbled with his remote control, trying to get the volume turned up. When he finally did, he heard the weather man say, “Spotters have seen a tornado on the ground...”

That’s all he needed to hear. George dropped the remote and ran to the door.

“Tornado! Tornado! Get inside now!” screamed George.

The kids stopped for a moment and seemed to think about what George was saying. Then the big kid yelled, “Yeah right, mister! Who told you that, your pet mouse!”

The other kids doubled over in laughter. This silly man expected them to believe there was a tornado coming?

Seconds later, George felt the wind change, and the rain suddenly let up. He knew what was coming. He ran back into his house, leaving the door unlocked for the kids. He made his way to his basement steps, and had just shut the basement door when his house began to be blown apart.

George’s story illustrates an important point that we as Christians sometimes miss: It’s possible to believe and do the right things, but for the wrong reasons.

George’s intentions were noble. His advice was good. But the reasons he gave were ludicrous, and caused the kids to reject his wisdom and stop listening.

You too might have noble intentions. Your advice might be good. But if your reasoning consistently has holes in it, people are going to dismiss what you say, even to their own destruction. You will never have credibility in their eyes, even when your reasons are right and good.

They would rather have sin destroy their life than heed what they deem to be your silliness.

That’s why it’s important that we defend the truth with the truth.

“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, (1 Peter 3:15 ESV)”

Peter uses the word “apologia” in 1 Peter 3:15 to describe the “defense” that a Christian gives when questioned. The word refers to giving an airtight legal defense. It means giving THE reason, not just any reason. This is true not only for defending “the hope that is in you,” but for every instance of defending the truth.

“Defend the truth with the truth. When you don’t defend the truth with the truth, you may as well tell a lie.”

We must always be careful not to “proof text,” or to allow superstitious views or less than credible information drive our decision making. This is especially true when it comes to topics such as alcohol, smoking, drugs, gambling, dancing, pornography, homosexuality, divorce, and other sins and vices that some people deem to be “gray areas.” We can’t have “gray reasons,” or arguments that look like Swiss cheese.

Defend the truth with the truth. When

Defend the truth with the truth. When you don’t defend the truth with the truth, you may as well tell a lie.

 

Four Ways to Encourage Your Kids to Leave the Church

 I’m never for doing anything halfway. So if you want your kids to leave the church when they leave your home, I’ve got a list for you. Here are four ways that you can contribute to your child’s spiritual demise:

1. Make other things a priority over church assemblies and functions. Be sure that you are giving your child the impression that there are some things that are more important than assembling with the church if they are “big” enough. Be sure the church comes second to some things. These things include (but are not limited to) sporting events, vacations, family get-togethers, and even some forms of working. Only doing this occasionally is sufficient to get the point across to your child. Better yet, cut out Bible class entirely and only come for Sunday morning worship.

2. Don’t talk about God, Jesus, or the church when you are at home or in the car. Keep your lips sealed when it comes to spiritual matters. Don’t ask, and don’t tell.

3. When you do talk, be sure to complain and nitpick as much as possible. Complain about the preacher, his sermons, the elders, the deacons, the singing, the song selection, the Bible class, the Bible class teacher, the Bible class materials, young kids, older people, and any other Christian who is different from yourself. Never give your child the impression that you are appreciative of the church, or that you respect those who serve it. Never be satisfied. Be sure to plant the seed of dissatisfaction in your child’s mind.

4. Indulge your child’s immaturity. Despite the fact that they have yet to develop a real concept of the value of a dollar, give them full control when it comes to their most valuable asset: their soul. Even though they might want to eat pizza and french fries for every meal, let them make every soul-affecting decision for themselves. If they don’t want to do “it,” don’t make them do “it.” This applies to all aspects of participation, including Bible class, worship, and even (for the boys) leading worship. Make attendance optional. For that matter, make everything optional, with no consequences.

 

---

Of course no Christian parent really wants to drive their child away from God and the church. But sometimes we do things that might inadvertently do just that.

I’m not saying that if you ever do one of the previous four things I mentioned that your kids are destined for Hell’s fire. But what I am saying is that if you can catch yourself before you keep up some of those pitfalls then you will have a far better time helping your children to transition from being preteens, to being spiritually minded teenagers, and then to being faithful Christian adults.

Consider the statement made in Psalm 127:4 (NKJV): “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth.” Just as arrows need to be aimed well in order to have a chance of hitting their target, our children need to be “aimed” well in order for them to have a chance of “hitting the target” of righteous and faithful living, and ultimately Heaven.

Even though the possibility exists that you won’t hit the “target” with your “arrows,” you definitely won’t get anywhere near the target if you aren’t at least taking careful aim at it. You have to at least try! Here are a few things to consider when it comes to making that aim:

1. Matthew 6:33 - Be sure that the kingdom (the church) is really the first priority in your family life. Don’t let other things become diversions that take you and your kids away from the church. Even missing or failing to participate a few times can set a precedent in your child’s mind that’s hard to change. You get bonus points if you take or encourage your children to go to Gospel meetings, singings, Summer Youth Series, Bible camp, and other such things.

2. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teach your children at every opportunity. A nature walk can become a discussion about Genesis. A ride home from baseball practice can become a lesson about always doing your best (cf. Ecc. 9:10). Mealtime can become Bible time. Take those opportunities to teach, as they are all around you.

3. Philippians 2:14 - Don’t complain. Just don’t do it. There’s no good reason for it. Complaining doesn’t change anything, anyway. Only actually doing something changes things. Complainers often wait for others to do the changing, and inadvertently teach the principle of the “squeaky wheel” to their children. Don’t be that person. Be a doer.

4. Proverbs 22:6 - The word “train” in this verse means more than just talking to your kids about God. It literally means “to narrow,” and also is translated as “dedicate” in other places besides this passage. Think about dedicating your child’s path to the Lord, as well as “reining in” their immaturity. That’s what it really means to train - to narrow the focus of your child’s life to not just what they should do, but what they ought to do. There is a difference.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, nor does it cover every facet of raising your children to stay faithful. But I pray that you will take these words, and do some studying and praying on your own.

 

“Step up like a warrior, and aim those arrows to Heaven.”

You see, the reality is that there is one person who has more to do with a child’s direction in life than any preacher, elder, youth minister, teacher, or coach: It’s you, their parent. Step up like a warrior, and aim those arrows to Heaven.

- Daniel

 6/1/13 NOTE:  I'm so thankful for the 20,000+ of you who have read this article in the last three days. With that being said, I don't live on this blog, so I'm not able to keep up with every single comment that is made. Rest assured, though, that I'm reading them, and there may be subsequent posts dealing with some of the issues raised, as there is always a true Biblical answer for every question and concern. Thanks again for reading!

Are You Afraid of Ridicule?

“God created the universe.”

“The earth is no more than 10,000 years old.”

“That’s a sin.”

“Sex outside of marriage is a sin.”

“I’m still a virgin.”

“I haven’t seen that movie; It’s too dirty.”

“I’m going to stay at home and raise my kids.”

“I don’t drink.”

“We don’t have a piano at church, we just sing.”

“The Bible is the inspired word of God.”

“Jesus is the only way to heaven.”

“The Bible says...”

“If you are going to be a Christian, ridicule will come with the territory.”

Some of those are things I’ve said. The rest I’ve heard others say. They all have one thing in common: The hearer of those words ridiculed the speaker.

If you were to make a list of things people fear, ridicule would be pretty high up on the list. Maybe not quite as high as death, but pretty close to the top. No one wants to be criticized, or made to feel like they are ridiculous.But if you are going to be a Christian, and do it right, ridicule comes with the territory. In fact, Jesus himself was ridiculed several times in his life (and in his death, Matthew 27:39-44).

In Matthew 9 we read the account of Jesus resurrecting the daughter of Jairus. In verses 18-19 (and its parallel in Mark 5:22ff.) we read that the man came to Jesus, begging him to come and lay his hand on his daughter so that she would live again. When Jesus finally arrived at Jairus’ house, the professional mourners had already started their work (vs. 23). In verse 24, Jesus tells them to make way, and then makes a statement that catches the contempt of the people present.

“The girl is not dead. She is sleeping”

— Jesus, Matthew 9:24

Of course everyone knew she was dead, right? They had all seen dead people before. This girl was very much dead. In their estimation, only a fool would say she wasn’t. The KJV says that they “laughed him to scorn.”

But shortly after that they left the room. Jesus performed the miracle and raised the girl from the dead (vs. 25). Suddenly what Jesus had said made perfect sense. In fact, the report of the incredible thing that had happened in that room in Jairus’ house went all throughout their region. The mouths that had uttered derison soon declared the wonders of Jesus.

Maybe what He had said wasn’t so ridiculous after all.

Think about it for a minute: People had laughed at Jesus because He knew and understood things that they didn’t. They laughed because of their ignorance. But once they understood, they couldn’t help but tell others.

The same is true for you and me. People will laugh at us because as Christians we understand and accept something that those mocking us don’t. They don’t know God, so they don’t understand us (1 John 3:1). You will say and believe some things that others, who think they are wiser, will outright reject (consider 1 Corinthians 1:18-25). But don’t worry. You are in good company.

“People will laugh at us because as Christians we understand and accept something that those mocking us don’t. They don’t know God...”

On another occasion we read of how Paul was speaking to King Agrippa about Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 26:19-23), and the Roman procurator named Festus exclaimed, “You are out of your mind!” What Paul said was crazy talk to Festus. Paul’s “learning” was driving him mad.

“But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.””

— Acts 26:25, ESV

Paul knew what he was saying was right, even if Festus didn’t believe it.

That wasn’t the first time Paul had been ridiculed for preaching about Jesus (consider Acts 17). But it didn’t stop him. He wasn’t ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, because he knew that people had to hear it in order for it to have its effect (Romans 1:16; 10:14). He was willing to become a “fool” for the sake of Christ, and the salvation of others (1 Corinthians 4:10, 13). You have to have that same kind of courage, too.

Finally, consider the words of Jesus when He sent out the twelve apostles:

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.”

— Matthew 10:24-25 ESV

If Jesus and his disciples were ridiculed, don’t expect anything different today. Just remember, you’re not alone. Jesus understands it all.

Be brave.

-Daniel

Are You Ready?

My two-year-old daughter loves to sing. In fact, I've written recently on my blog about her singing. Even since then she's picked up a few more songs.

Despite the fact that she knows several "church" songs, her singing a week or so ago got my attention in a way that none of her songs to date have. I heard her sweet little voice singing the following:

“Are you ready? Are you ready? Are you ready for the judgment day?”

As I watched and listened to her sing, I was struck with the most profound thought: She is ready. She's innocent. If the judgment happened today, she would be welcomed into the comfort of Heaven.

The next thought was sobering.

Would I? Am I ready for the judgment day? Would I be able to see her again if the Lord came now?

How about you? It's certainly worth the time you'll spend to examine yourself and find out (2 Corinthians 13:5). We know from God's Word that we can have confidence before Him in the judgment, i.e., we can know whether we are prepared or not (cf. 1 John 3:18-21; 4:16-18). 

It all boils down to whether or not we do what He has said to do? So have you?

Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God (John 3:16)?

Are you willing to turn away from the sin in your life you so willingly commit (Luke 13:3; Romans 2:4)?

Are you willing to confess with your mouth before men that Jesus is the Son of God (Matthew 10:32-33; Romans 10:9-10)?

Are you willing to be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21)?

Are you then willing to live a life of service to God, walking in the light (1 John 1:7-9) until death (Revelation 2:10) or He comes again?

Are you ready for the judgment day? It's a question you have no choice but to ask yourself.

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?”

— 2 Peter 2:10-12, NKJV

"Happy Day!"

This day two years ago was one of the happiest of my life. My dear little Jenaleigh Kate was born at 4:50 a.m., and my life was forever changed.

While we had a family birthday celebration on Saturday, today is still a special day for Jenaleigh, since it's actually her "birthday day" (as we call them in our house). We have lots of plans, and they involve pizza (Jenaleigh's favorite), macaroni and cheese (Jenaleigh's other favorite) and spending some birthday money. We're actually going to let her pick out her own toys for the first time ever. Maybe. We'll see how that goes.

Of course Jenaleigh has heard the "Happy Birthday Song" many times in the last few days, and heard us say "Happy Birthday!" as well as "Happy Mother's Day" (yesterday).

The cutest thing happens, though, when we try to get her to say either one. We say, "Jenaleigh, say happy birthday!"

Jenaleigh looks at us with a huge grin on her face, and says, "Happy day!"

We call her grandmothers and tell her to speak into the phone and say, "Jenaleigh, say 'Happy Mother's Day!'"

Jenaleigh looks intently at the phone and says, "Happy day!"

Obviously as a two-year-old our little girl doesn't quite understand the significance of one day over the next. But she does understand one thing.

Happiness. Every day is a happy day in her innocent little eyes.

Shouldn't that be true of every Christian?

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

— (Philippians 4:4 ESV)

Happy Birthday, Jenaleigh!

- Daddy

Chris Broussard and Fornication - [REWIND]

Today I'm trying something new - I call it REWIND. Let me know what you think.

Today's REWIND comes to us from ESPN. Chris Broussard, a regular commentator, made a series of statements a few days ago that have riled up people, no matter what their beliefs about homosexuality are. Some see him as brave; others see him as a bigot. Let's rewind the tape and see what he had to say:

Here's the nugget I want to think about for a minute:

“I’m a Christian, I don’t agree with homosexuality, I think it’s a sin, as I think all sex outside of marriage between man and a woman is.”

— Chris Broussard

Sure, Broussard was courageous to make the statements that he did about homosexuality. But I want to applaud him for his consistency in his beliefs. I think that it was just as courageous, if not arguably more courageous, to make the statements that he did about heterosexual couples, and that any sexual activity outside of marriage is sin.

Think about it.

How can we really defend marriage against homosexuality if we are ignoring the fact that adultery and pre-marital sex are doing just as much or more to destroy marriage than any homosexual "marriage" activist ever could? I think that the homosexual community gives "traditional marriage" the same amount of reverence that our society does - which is close to nil.

So from their perspective, if we as a society can enter into, and likewise, shed a marriage so flippantly, why can't we let them have it? What would make us, as a society, so upset that they would want it? What makes us, as a society, seem like we truly care about preserving marriage? Nothing, really.

Killing the idea of homosexual "marriage" alone will not save "traditional marriage." Only crucifying the desires of the flesh will (Romans 6:6). Only fleeing all youthful lusts will (2 Timothy 2:22). Consider the scope of the statement made in Hebrews: 

“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”

— Hebrews 13:4, ESV

The writer of Hebrews makes all sexual activity outside of marriage abominable. That includes pre-marital sex, adultery, and even homosexuality. Yes, even though it tends to be put on a pedestal, in this case homosexuality falls right into the same category as adultery.

Is homosexuality serious? Yes. Should we preach against it? Yes. Would it make things worse if it became even more prevalent? Yes.

But don't let it become a diversion, and allow Satan to have a field day with marriages and families through other sexual sins that we might be ignoring.

Think about. Be consistent. Don't forget to preach the whole counsel of God.

“For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.”

— Paul, Acts 20:27, ESV

Be sure to defend marriage on all fronts.

- Daniel

It's a Kinda New Blog

I am a tinkerer.

I can't help but try to pick at, and play with things until I get them just right. And once they are just right, then I can leave them alone for only about five minutes before I start tinkering again.

Such is the case with my blog. I just can't stop tinkering. I can't leave it alone for more than a few months.

“It’s a blessing, and a curse.”

— Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub)

But that's what makes Squarespace so cool.

This weekend I switched over from Wordpress to Squarespace. If you don't know anything about blog publishing platforms, don't worry - I'll save that for a "Tech Tip Tuesday."

The main reason I switched is that Squarespace has grown up in the last year or so, and gives me all kinds of flexibility that I won't bore you with now. But I can do cool stuff, like make quote blocks.

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”

— Pablo Picasso

I can also easily format the page blocks to have a beautiful, modern, magazine layout. It's amazing what's possible. 

It also will make all of you folks who read things on your phones and other devices a little happier, since it automatically formats everything I write into a beautiful mobile website.

Just so you know, everything that was on the old blog has moved here. There will be a few more changes and additions that come in the next few weeks.

In the meantime, let me know what you think.

-Daniel

"NO na ONE!"

Let me start with yesterday.
The night before last was something of a long night for our entire family. Martha and Jenaleigh both were periodically coughing because of their sinus issues. Because they were coughing they weren't sleeping, and neither was I.

Compound that with the day before, when I had hit the road at 5:30 a.m. and spent a total of eight hours driving to and from my work destination for the day. I had been tired when finally arriving home, and obviously didn't get much rest that evening. Between the sick and the weary, we were a pitiful crew.

The morning weather was also a stark contrast from the sunny beautiful day before. It was cold, raining, and dark. To top it all off, I hadn't set up my coffee pot the night before, so I had no coffee in my hand at the moment that I was standing at the kitchen sink, beginning to dread the coming day.

Wednesday had hardly started, and already it wasn't looking so good. But I wouldn't need coffee to make it better.

To my side, I heard my little girl singing, so I turned to watch her. She was stomping around the kitchen, in time with the song she was singing. At first I didn't recognize the song, but then the words came out clear as day. Well, sort of clear.

"Deres nottta fred [unintelligible] ohly JESUS! NO na ONE, NO na ONE. Na es cud heel [unintelligible] sos DISEEESES. NO na ONE, NO na ONE! JESUS nos [unintelligible] TRUBLES. He will guide day is dun! Deres nottta fred [unintelligible] ohly JESUS! NO na ONE, NO na ONE."

She continued this little show for another minute and a half. Despite being a little sick, deprived of sleep, and waking up to a cold dreary day she had a positive attitude. She was still happy, and acting like it. I couldn't help but smile, and feel a bit ashamed of the thoughts that had been running through my head just a moment before.

So in watching my precious nearly two-year-old stomp around the kitchen, singing with all her heart, I was reminded of two very valuable lessons I'd like to share with you for your day.

“Never lose the perspective of an innocent child.”

First, never lose the perspective of an innocent child. Too often we as adults are overwhelmed with what's wrong. We forget about what's right. We focus on our cursings instead of our blessings. But if we were to stop and think about it, ALL of us have a lot more good going for us than bad going against us. So keep your mind focused on those things (Philippians 4:8; Ephesians 1:3).

“Never forget that there’s not a friend in the world like Jesus.”

Second, never forget that there's not a friend in the world like Jesus. Jesus can heal our soul's diseases (Mark 2:17). He knows what it feels like to actually have the world against him (Isaiah 53:3-5), so he can sympathize with the tempting difficulties in life that you and I suffer from (Hebrews 4:15). Likewise, he will never leave us (Matthew 28:20, compare Hebrews 13:5-6 and Proverbs 18:24). There's not a friend in the world like the lowly Jesus.

Are you His friend, too? I promise that if you aren't, becoming his friend will make all the difference in your world. If you are, don't forget it.

-Daniel

"You are my friends if you do what I command you." (Jesus, in John 15:14 ESV)

You Aren't Hurting Anyone Else, You Are Hurting EVERYONE Else

You did it again, and you don't care.
You made sure no one saw you drive up. You shut the door. You closed the curtains. You hit the delete button. You threw away the evidence. You made sure no one saw you leave.

You did it again, and you don't care. You don't care, because you don't think it's hurting anyone else. It's your sin, and you keep it to yourself.

Here's the cold hard truth: It's not hurting anyone else, it's hurting everyone else.

That thing you saw? It's replaying in your mind while you talk to your friends, your boss, your teacher, your mother, your father, your brother, your sister, your wife, your husband, or your child. You are distracted, and it's starting to show.

That thing you did, that no one else saw? It's coursing through your veins. It's ruling your mind. You aren't fully present, because you are still living with, and in that sin.

You are paranoid. You are guilty. It's beginning to hurt, and it's catching up with you. At the same time, they notice.

Finally, what you've done comes out.

They are crying. They are hurt. They are discouraged. They may even be tempted.

Then you realize something: That sin you thought only involved you, and didn't hurt anyone else, well, it just hurt everyone else.

Who Do You Live For?

We like to think of ourselves as islands. You probably like to think that there are sinful things you can do that won't have any bearing on me. While it's true that your actions themselves may not directly hurt me, the effect that sin has on your mind can. You can, and will likely cause indirect harm.

If you are walking around with a sin problem, you are walking around with a heart problem. Since the rest of your life (i.e., your words and actions) ultimately comes out of your heart (see Proverbs 4:23), that sin is going to affect something external.

What's in your mind will manifest itself somehow in your words and actions somewhere down the line.

I may not know exactly how. You may not know exactly how either. But it will have an effect, and it could be disastrous for you and for me, even if I don't know that you sinned. But what if I do?

At the very least, your sin can be discouraging to me. How much discouragement do you think I can take from you? For that matter, how much discouragement can your friends, family, and church family take from you? Worse, it can tempt me, too. It can tempt me to join in, or tempt me to commit my own "secret" sin.

It all comes down to who you are living for. When you are indulging in that secret, "harmless" sin, you are living for yourself. But I don't want you living just for you, and I don't want you living for me. I want you to live for Christ. If you do, it will help both of us.

Living for the Lord is what Paul wrote about in Romans 14:7-9:

For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. (Romans 14:7-9 ESV)

Whether it's drugs, alcohol, adultery, pornography, online gambling, cheating, lying, or some other sin that doesn't seem to hurt someone else, remember this: It's going to have an effect somewhere in your life. Others will see, or maybe even experience that effect. Then, at that point, it will begin to affect them.

So protect your heart. Repent of sin. Stop hurting yourself with sin, and likewise, you'll stop hurting everyone else with that sin. Don't live for you, live for the Lord.

-Daniel

For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:14 ESV)

What I Listen To - [Blog Hop]

Today's post is very special, because it is a "blog hop." Five blogs are all writing on the same topic, and we hope you will check each one out.
The topic today is simply podcasting. Five writers are each listing the podcasts (by category) they listen to, and linking to where you can find the information about that podcast. At the bottom of the post is the link to the other writers who are involved.

*All but one of the links below to podcasts will take you to their iTunes page. If you look along the left side of the page, under the heading labeled "Links," you will find a link to the website associated with the podcast.

MY PODCAST LIST

#1: Podcasts by members of churches of Christ

• Mt. Juliet church of Christ - While I can't seem to find an RSS feed, I will still occasionally download a few lessons and load them on my iPhone when I get the chance.


• Bear Valley Sermoncast - More than just sermons, includes several helpful series.


• Preachinghelp.org (Steve Higginbotham)


• Spring Meadows church of Christ


• Preachers in Training - great, great information for all preachers, hosted by Robert Hatfield.


• Culture Shock, with Torrey Clark - great discussions about taking a stand against cultural norms.


• MinistryGeek This Week - Michael Hite, Caleb O'Hara, Dale Jenkins, grumpy muppets, and technology uses in ministry. Long time favorite.


• iPreach - Keeps me going.

#2: Other Religious Podcasts

• Your Move - Andy Stanley - I get some good nuggets from this. 


• Desiring God - John Piper - though he's leaving the church he worked with for several decades, so far as I know John Piper is going to keep up with his "Desiring God" work. Some great, deep information here.


• Albert Mohler:
  
  
  
  • The Briefing - current events from a "Christian worldview."
  
  
  • Thinking in Public - All sorts of interesting thing.
  
  
  
  

#3: News and Information

• This American Life - While I can't say that every episode is fit to listen to (they don't censor the podcast version like they do the radio version), they do give a content warning up front if its offensive. Also


• Story of the Day - Short, highlights some interesting story from the day.


• Stuff You Missed in History Class - exactly as the title states.


• TED Talks - Great ideas. Sometimes a little out there, but most of the time very interesting.


• Stuff You Should Know - Like "How police sketches work," and "How sleepwalking works," and "What would happen if the world stopped spinning."

#4: Just for Fun

• CarTalk - Even if you don't have a drivers' license, "Click" and "Clack" will keep you in stitches as they attempt to help people with their car problems.

Now that you have seen the podcasts that I enjoy, take a few moments to "hop" over to the other writers who are doing the same thing:

Robert Hatfield lists his podcasts here.

Adam Faughn shows you his playlist here.

Dale Jenkins joins in here.

Chad Landman shares his list here.

QUESTIONS: Do you like the "blog hop" idea? What other podcasts do you recommend? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Olive Tree, Google Translate, Kid President, and Coffee, aka., "The Wonderful Possibilities of the Internet" - [T3]

Let me start this post by telling you about a portion of my morning routine.

I normally roll out of bed about 6:30 am, whether there is an alarm set or not. As I quietly leave the bedroom, I grab my iPhone, and stumble down the hallway to the coffee pot. I have a Bunn, so I pour the water in the top, and wait the three minutes for the coffee to brew. While I’m waiting, I rub the sleep out of my eyes and check my email.

This morning I was very surprised to see about a dozen new subscriptions to my YouTube channel, a new comment on a video, and an email from someone who I have never met asking me for help with their Olive Tree Bible Study app.

Then I made the connection.

I scrolled through my email to find that the folks at Olive Tree Bible Study Apps had sent out one of their weekly email newsletters, and near the bottom was a link to a video I made about a year ago, detailing how you can use multitouch gestures to navigate the iOS version of the app (sorry non-iOS users). They were also kind enough to feature that same video on their blog last week. The video has received three times the views in the last week as it had over the last year. It’s also helped give some extra exposure to my blog.

As an aside, had I known it would be used like it has I would have taken the time to dust off my desk, and clear some things out of the background. It’s a lesson in why you should ALWAYS do your BEST work - because you don’t know how long it will live, or who might resurrect it, and when. See Ecclesiastes 9:10 for some Biblical thought along those lines.

I've noticed some extra traffic over the last week or so, from varying sources, with some cool little tidbits I’d like to share.

• Just yesterday I had six views which listed Google Translate as the referrer. That means someone was taking the time to read a Google translated version of my blog in their native tongue. That’s kinda cool, because it means I was helping teach  someone in a language I can’t speak.
• I can remember the days when I would think it was awesome that I had fifty views on the day that I published a post. I would usually have zero or two the next day. Yesterday I had 110, and I haven’t posted in nearly a week. It’s taken years to get to that point; to build a body of work big enough that it keeps drawing people to the site through search engines, and other avenues. So don’t give up your own blogging. I’m probably never going to have a high traffic site, but I appreciate the readers who have stayed with me over the past few years.
• I love getting blog comments like the one I got on Sunday. I had a preacher brother (who I’ve never met, but hey, I feel a camaraderie with any brother who stands in the pulpit) comment that he had used part of my blog post in his sermon. It’s very encouraging to know a) I actually provided something helpful, and b) What I took the time to write is making it out there to help people. That’s what I want. It lets me know I’m not wasting my time.
• This is not about my traffic, but Kid President is awesome. His rise to the White House was unlikely. But it all happened because of social media, and creative minds who used it to do something awesome. It makes me happy to see good people succeed. Let’s have one more “awesome” for good measure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TssZ9Uma1-w

Let me give you the point of this rambling post. God has given us a mission - to go into all the world and preach the Gospel (Mark 16:15). There are probably at least 7 billion people on this planet right now. 107 of them die every minute. But generally speaking, more are being born than are dying.

So how do we reach them? Did God give us an impossible task?

I don’t think so. Reread the meat of this blog post if you have to. Then take ten minutes and think. Consider the power for good that God has given us in the technological tools we have. Then stop playing around, and start using them for that mission.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV)

- Daniel