Words Used in Various Circumstances

Are there words that you use in one form of communication but not another?

For example, I use "w00t" or "hooray" in written communication forms (e.g. email, Facebook, texting). However, I rarely use these words in verbal situations.

On the other hand, I often say "tough" or "sick" as verbals, but only occasionally in written form.

What are some of the buzz words you use as verbals? How about in written form?

May 2008 Learning Point...Bible Reading Encouragement

Each month I write an email update to friends, family, and other people I have come in contact with throughout life. Towards the end of each of these letters, I include a section called the "Learning Points." Here is May's learning point.

Yesterday, I asked a friend, "what comes to mind when I say Bible?" His response was "a lot of pages." I can see his point. The Bible looks so big and intimidating. The natural conclusion for most is just not to even pick it up. However: when it comes to Bible reading, quality is more important than quantity.

What good is it to read through the entire Bible but not remember, understand, or have the ability to apply it? It is far better to properly study, pray about, contemplate, and apply five verses.

Try it! I challenge you to read John chapter 1 through chapter 3 over the next few weeks.

HT: Lisa Mathews (my sister-in-law)

Over 1 Billion Indians...and Not One Good Basketball Team?

Last week a few friends and I got together to attend a Saturday night service at Harvest Bible Chapel. On our way home we stopped by Gino's East to grab a slice of extremely good pizza. Our conversation was all over the board but one of the things we discussed was that out of 1 billion people, India has to have eight guys that are good at basketball. The probability is on our side! However, you never hear of India in the Olympics. Something is wrong with this equation.

Josish After "Splish Splash"

Here is my nephew Josish after he had a "splish splash" (more commonly known as a bath).

Does Your Thought of the Gospel Include This Idea?

A church that does not provoke any crises, a gospel that doesn’t unsettle, a word of God that doesn’t get under anyone’s skin, a word of God that doesn’t touch the real sin of the society in which it is being proclaimed-what gospel is that?

Archbishop Romero, El Salvador

This May Cause Tears....

I saw this video on Justin Taylor's blog a few days ago and was reminded of this incredible story of an Autistic high school basketball manager named Jason McElwain.

Unashamed Tour

Over the past few weeks, I have started listening to rap music again! I'm not sure if I have any good reason outside of the heavy base in most of the music. I came across a record label called Reach Records (Tedashi, Lecrae, Trip Lee).

After listening to a few songs by these guys, I am blown away with two things: the lyrics and the music. These guys are dedicated to writing raps that are focused, purposeful, and full of meaning. Reach Records is traveling across the US doing concerts called the Unashamed Tour. Check out the calender to see if they are coming to a city near you.

If you check out their website, you can listen to a good amount of their music. I personally like Lecrae's "Break it Down" and "Fanatics" and any Trip Lee song.

Desiring God wrote a small piece on the tour too.

This is Lecrae's "Jezus Muzik."

Unstoppable Live

This past week I was sitting at work when the song "Unstoppable" popped into my head. It is one of those moments when you wonder, "why did that come to mind?"

Even more than the lyrics, it is sweet to see that this church (Bethlehem Baptist in Minneapolis, MN) has not only allowed, but provided a platform for the display of worship that is much different than the general culture of the congregation.

Check out the video below!

From Riches to Rags

Who really would choose, even desire, to go from riches to rags? There is a guy I know who grew up in a home where his parents taught him well. He was well respected. In the eyes of most people, he was good. In fact, he was very good. His integrity was above most people. Further, he was pretty passionate guy. He really lived out his convictions. One of those guys who many people wanted to be, but were not bold enough to become.

But in a moment, this guy gave up all hopes for power, wealth, and fame. He did not give it all up for the sake of his family or to have a better work-life balance. He wasn't pursuing a stress-free lifestyle.

In fact, it was the opposite. The rest of his life was filled with going to jail (multiple times), countless beatings, being stoned, and he was even caught in some crazy natural disasters. No matter which side of the diversity line the people he came in contact with stood, they didn't like him. For the most part, he was homeless, poor, and hungry the rest of his life.

Who is this man? His name is Paul. You can read a more accurate narrative in 2 Corinthians 11:23-30 and Philippians 3:4-6.

So why would he go through all of this. It is pretty obvious from what he says in 1 Corinthians 15:19, "If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people to be pitied."

Paul choose a seemingly foolish lifestyle of sacrifice, persecution, and hardship for the sake of Christ!

Many people have a different definition of "believing" in Jesus Christ. What does your definition of "believe" practically look like? Is it similar to Paul's? If you believe in Christ, would your life be pitied/regretted if Christ's resurrection is not true?

A Post On Theological Education (But Applies to All)

I read this quick article titled, "How to Waste Your Theological Education."  I was ready to write it off because I am not currently in any sort of formal theological education, however I gave it a quick glance.  

Honestly, this post is for everyone!  Granted, there are a few things that do not apply to everyone, but there are some good suggestions. 

Here are a few that convicted me:

8. Practice misquoting and misrepresenting positions and ideas you don't agree with.  Be lazy and don't attempt to understand opposing views; instead, nurse your prejudices and exalt your opinions by superficial reading and listening.

23. Day dream about future opportunities to the point that you get nothing out of your current opportunity to learn God's Word.

Numbers 30, 32, 35, 40 were also great (in that they forced me to deal with my own inadequacies).

A Trip to the West Side (of the Nation)

This past weekend I had the opportunity to spend a few days in Seattle, Washington.  While there, I visited a cousin, a very close friend, and did the stuff an average tourist would do.  What set this trip apart were the conversations, fellowship, and interactions with a close friend and his group of friends.  

Many people will say that post-college graduation is some of the hardest years of life because most people are distanced from a large group of their close friends.  In Seattle, I was blown away at the pure, authentic fellowship that I experienced.  For some reason I thought that the community I was surrounded with in college would never be experienced again.  In just a few days across the country, I realized that thought was terribly inaccurate.

See below for pictures.  I must say, it was beautiful too!