Friday, December 25, 2009

Christmas!

It's Christmas morning and I'm the only one up. Kathy spent most of the evening into the early hours wrapping gifts and getting the house ready. The kids are both sound asleep but I can imagine they are dreaming of a wonderful Christmas.

As I've been sitting here, I've been thinking about this Christmas season and all that it has given us: many people out of work but not too bad to not help others (as WRAF's "My Christmas Wish" showed), some battles over "CHRIST-mas" or "Happy Holidays", and other things that I think drew us AWAY from the TRUE meaning of Christmas.

A dear friend of mine sent me an email not too long ago that addresses this very sentiment I have, and I would like to share it with you:

A Letter from Jesus

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking my name out of the season. How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If I want you to celebrate my birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE EACH OTHER.

Now, having said that, let me go on. If it bothers you that town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting my birth, then just get rid of a few snowmen and Santas and put a small Nativity scene in your own front lawn. If all my followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene in the town square because there would be many of them all over town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling it a "Holiday" tree instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all the trees anyway. You can remember me any time you see a tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of your tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15:1-8.

If you want to give me a present, here is my wish list. Choose something from it:
  1. Instead of writing protest letters, write letters of love to a soldier away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell me all the time.
  2. Visit someone in a nursing home - they just need to know someone still cares.
  3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording in his Christmas cards, write to him letting him know that you are praying for him and his family. Then follow up - it will be nice to hear from you again.
  4. Instead of giving you kids a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need - spend more time with them. Hold them and let them know of my love for them.
  5. Pick someone who had hurt you in the past and forgive them.
  6. Did you know that someone in your town may try to take their life during this time of year - since you may not know who that person is, try to give everyone you might a warm smile.
  7. Instead of knit picking what the retailer calls this time of year be patient with them. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" doesn't stop you from wishing them one.
  8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary!
  9. There are families in your town that not only do not have a Christmas tree but they don't have presents to give or receive; buy some food and gifts for them. If you don't know them buy them for the Salvation Army and they will make the delivery for you.
  10. If you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to me, then behave like a Christian! Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in my presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.
Don't forget, I am God and I can take care of myself. Just love me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Pick one from the list above and get to work. Time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is in your court. And do have the most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember.

I LOVE YOU,
JESUS

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

The Barna Group - Barna Studies the Research, Offers a Year-in-Review Perspective

The Barna Group has released it's year in review report and the findings show 3 themes:
  1. Americans are more interested in faith and spirituality than Christianity.
  2. American faith is now individual and customized.
  3. Biblical literacy is not a priority in America.
For more a detailed look at these themes please click the link below.

The Barna Group - Barna Studies the Research, Offers a Year-in-Review Perspective


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Monday, December 21, 2009

Kids Top Internet Searches for 2009


From OnlineFamily.Norton.com, here are some statistics regarding teen internet use:


  • YouTube, Google, and Facebook top the list

  • Sex and Porn round out the top 5

  • Kids spend most of their time searching for music related topics (30%), then TV/movie related topics (12%).

  • The most popular celebrity kids searched for was Michael Jackson. Taylor Swift came in second.

  • Team Jacob won over Team Edward, with Taylor Lautner coming in at #80 and Robert Pattinson being nonexistent in the top 100.

  • Other top celebs on kids’ list of searches include Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Lil Wayne, Megan Fox, Eminem, Beyonce, Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, Black Eyed Peas, Jonas Brothers, Rihanna, and Chris Brown.

  • Kids are searching for shopping sites like eBay, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy.

For more on kids use of the internet click here.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

What We Should Learn from Tiger Woods

I'm a huge fan of Phil Cooke. His take on the Woods issue is one that everyone in media, ministry, etc. should listen to. Click the link and give it a read.

Tiger's Mistake, and What We Should Learn | Phil Cooke The Change Revolution

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Focus on the Family Daly Responds to Woods Coverage

Focus president Jim Daly has responded to the mainstream media's continued "reporting" on Tiger Woods and his current issues. To read what he has said click the link below. Let's remember to pray of Tiger and his family during this time and that he will allow God to take a hold of his heart and life.

Focus on the Family Hits Media 'Gossip' On Tiger Woods | NewsBusters.org


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CNSNews.com - Evangelist Oral Roberts Dies at Age 91

Just got the news that former tent evangelist turned television evangelist Oral Roberts has passed away. He was 91. For more information on his life click the link below.

CNSNews.com - Evangelist Oral Roberts Dies at Age 91


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Monday, December 14, 2009

Teens and Mobile Phones Over the Past 5 Years

There's a lot of talk and research on teens and their mobile phones. With Christmas right around the corner you might be considering getting your pre-teen a cell phone. Youth culture expert Jonathan McKee brings to you some research on teen cell use over the past 5 years.

Teens and Mobile Phones Over the Past 5 Years

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Friday, December 11, 2009

Leadership Lessons from the Nativity - Mary

John Hull, president of Equip, joined me on the Morning Show today to continue our series of leadership lessons from those in the Nativity. Last week we looked at Joseph. This week our attention turned to mother of Jesus, Mary. What a great example of stepping out in faith when the culture would not understand. Listen here or scroll down.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Michael Landon, Jr. and The Silent Gift


I had the opportunity to talk with writer, producer and director Michael Landon, Jr. about his latest novel The Silent Gift. It's a story set in the 1930s about a handicapped boy and his mom. A very remarkable story about hope and encouragement. To listen click here or scroll down.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

“The Christmas Story” Audio Bible Presentation

Faith Comes By Hearing presents The Christmas Story




“I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today … a Savior is born.”


This exciting announcement is part of “The Christmas Story,” a free Audio Bible program about the birth of Jesus Christ.


“The Christmas Story” is an audio dramatized, word-for-word reading from the New Testament Gospels of Matthew and Luke and is produced by Faith Comes By Hearing, the world’s foremost Audio Bible ministry. This realistic audio recording was produced using multiple character voices, musical backgrounds and sound effects.


Faith Comes By Hearing produced this short, family-friendly program, which runs about 11 minutes, to help people engage in the Bible this holiday season and hear the Christmas story in a dramatic, audio format.

















Founded in 1972 as a non-profit ministry, Faith Comes By Hearing records and uses Audio Bibles to disciple Americans as well as the world’s poor and illiterate people with God’s Word in audio.




Since more than 50 percent of the world’s population cannot read, Faith Comes By Hearing helps those hear God’s Word in their heart language. Through innovating industry-leading audio technology, Faith Comes By Hearing has helped people in more than 150 countries hear the Word of God in their own language. Currently, Faith Comes By Hearing has Audio New Testament recordings available in more than 400 languages.



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Friday, December 4, 2009

Leaership of the Nativity - Joseph

John Hull, president of Equip, and I will be discussing the leadership qualities of those in the Nativity. This week we looked at Joseph. To listen, click here or scroll down. In the coming weeks we'll take a look at Mary, the Shepherds, the Wise Men and Herod. Be sure to come back to take advantage of this unique study.

The Star of Bethlehem

This week on the Morning Show I had the opportunity to interview Rick Larson regarding his DVD and seminar on the Star of Bethlehem. A fascinating look at the celestial event the marked the birth of our Savior. To listen, click here or scroll down.